Monitoring and Evaluation of the Community Isolation Unit in Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Partnership of Commission on Higher Education, Bicol University and Local Government Unit Gubat Sorsogon, Philippines

Abstract

The conduct of monitoring and evaluation is an effective means to document the achievements of a project.   This study focused on the determination of measures conducted by the frontliners of the Local Government Unit of Gubat, Sorsogon,  based on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) protocol, cost invested in the operation of the quarantine facility, good practices, and issues and concerns in the Community Isolation Unit. It used mixed-method research in determining the data gathered through a questionnaire and structured interview among 329 clients. The facility operation observed the CHED IATF protocol. Funding is well provided using the Municipal Health Office fund, 20% Development Fund of the Local Government Unit (LGU), and the national government Bayanihan fund.  Good practices were employed in terms of following protocols, service to the clients, and maintenance of facilities. Issues and concerns were categorized into fear of contamination, poor facilities, lack of supplies, poor services, and management.  The community isolation unit has been a good measure in preventing the spread of the disease.  However, the LGU must still take actions to further improve its operation to sustain the facility until the COVID 19 is halted.