Local Governance Initiatives, Practices, and Challenges for Poverty Alleviation Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic in the Province of Bukidnon

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed over 6.9 million lives globally and infected more than 768 million people as of October 2023. In the Philippines, the pandemic significantly impacted poverty rates, which rose to 23.7 percent in the first half of 2021 from 21.1 percent in 2018, resulting in an additional 3.9 million Filipinos living in poverty. This study examines the initiatives implemented by local government officials to address poverty alleviation during the pandemic, identifies local good governance practices, and investigates challenges encountered in the process. The research employed qualitative methodologies including in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and thematic analysis to examine the experiences of selected barangay officials in Bukidnon Province. The findings reveal that local government unit (LGUs) poverty alleviation initiatives can be categorized into three primary themes: socioeconomic support measures, health intervention programs, and public-private sector partnerships. The study highlights that collaboration between LGUs and private sector entities proved crucial in addressing community poverty during the crisis. Notably, barangay governments successfully implemented strategic approaches by utilizing previously unallocated calamity funds from prior fiscal years. However, significant challenges emerged, including problems with equitable aid distribution, COVID-19 infections among barangay officials, difficulties enforcing health protocols, and limited healthcare facility accessibility. The research demonstrates that effective poverty alleviation during crises requires integrated approaches addressing both socioeconomic and health concerns, areas that require focused attention from policymakers. The study recommends that LGUs adopt proactive governance by establishing dedicated contingency funds, enhancing healthcare infrastructure at the barangay level, and strengthening collaborative relationships with private sector stakeholders within their jurisdictions to better prepare for and respond to future crises.