Devolution and Crisis Governance amid COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Abstract

This paper examines the impacts of devolution relative to the COVID-19 crisis governance of the provincial government of Misamis Occidental (PGMO). It looked at the (1) structure, responsibilities, and modes of coordination in the implementation of COVID- 19-related initiatives, (2) decision-making processes in determining the COVID-19 response, and (3) the implementation of these initiatives in the context of devolution. Findings revealed that there is a clear and well-defined structure and mode of coordination with specific duties and responsibilities, albeit the absence of representation from the private sector and/or civil society organizations in the COVID-19 task force. COVID-19 strategy and decision-making processes in the province are centralized, operating towards strict adherence and compliance to directives set by the national government (NG). To some extent, local discretion is high but only in terms of policy implementation, but absent on policy formulation. In light of this, devolution may have broadened the base of power and administration in the country, but it arguably did not foster empowerment of the LGUs during the height COVID-19 pandemic to perform effective localized crisis governance.