During her part, Mayor Hataman discussed the importance of data analytics in coming up with vital and strategic decisions and policies in the city relative to COVID-19. Specifically, the local government is usung spatial analysis and Geographic Information System (GIS) in the study of COVID-19 in Isabela City, Basilan. This program provides real-time mapping of the active cases in the city. COVID-19 cases are also monitored daily with updates thru information cards posted via social media packed with data on vaccination status of active cases; vaccination status of COVID-19 mortalities; travel history, place of exposure, status of new cases and data on isolation facilities of active cases.

Mayor Hataman described the city’s COVID-19 response as “responsive synchrony” that involves actions against COVID-19 in synergy with all city departments and offices, all barangays, and all sectors of the community simultaneously focusing on health, education, economic and tourism development balancing health and safety of its constituents and economic recovery.

Mayor Dadah also cited that the low COVID-19 cases in the city may be attributed to the intensified communication strategy on COVID-19 citing that the LGU always ensures that “the purpose of the LGU’s communication is to elicit a certain action/behavior from the public.” Strong partnership with the local private hospitals was also mentioned as a factor contributing to the management of the health crisis in the city.

Meanwhile, Mayor Dadah also shared the issues and challenges faced by the local government which included the limited hospitals, lack of manpower and limited local suppliers of anti-COVID-19 materials in the city.

Other good practices implemented by LGU-Isabela City included the practice of granular lockdowns, conduct of COVID-19 vaccination forums; provision of psychosocial support thru the Pagtabangan Hotlines in partnership with Nagdilaab Inc., a local non-profit organization in the city.