Life in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic: the experiences and responses of households in Guimaras and Miagao, Iloilo

Abstract

This paper assesses the experience and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic of households in the province of Guimaras and the municipality of Miagao to gain insights and lessons that can be applied during similar disruptions in the future. Survey data using a questionnaire were collected in July to early August 2020 from 580 households in Guimaras and 401 households in Miagao using convenience sampling. As a health threat, COVID-19 caused many households to feel unsafe and worried. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the economic vulnerability of households to disruptions affecting their livelihood and income sources. The effects on loss of livelihood and income sources were worse with lower-income households whose income status and the ability to meet basic needs were worse than the pre-pandemic period. The paper recommends several approaches and interventions to improve household resilience and to be better prepared for similar challenges and threats in the future.