UNDERSTANDING THE PHILIPPINE RESPONSE TO COVID-19: PERSPECTIVES AND LESSONS FROM PUBLIC POLICY, INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION, SECURITISATION AND CROSS-COUNTRY COMPARISONS

This study explores the Philippine government’s response to COVID-19, focusing on public policy initiatives, intergovernmental cooperation, and securitisation. It also examines how the Philippines compares to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. Using a qualitative, descriptive-analytic approach, the research identifies leadership as the most significant factor in managing pandemics. Despite efforts like the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and Bayanihan to Recover as One Act and the involvement of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Disease (IATF-EID), the Philippines ranked poorly in pandemic response, suffering from limited resources, weak institutions, and gaps in healthcare infrastructure. The securitisation of COVID-19, marked by security sector involvement and war metaphors, played a prominent role but did not result in better outcomes than other nations. Key findings suggest that public trust, leadership, and timely decision-making are critical for managing health crises, particularly in democracies where consensus-building can delay urgent responses. The study identifies gaps in preparedness, including insufficient research capabilities and poor coordination between government agencies. It concludes that addressing these deficiencies through reform and better leadership will improve the Philippines’ response to future health crises, ensuring faster, more coordinated, and effective public health measures.