Examining the Role of Enlisted Men’s Barrios Barangay Chairpersons in Addressing Healthcare Access in Post-Jurisdictional Shift

This study explores the role of Barangay Chairpersons in the ten Enlisted Men’s Barrios (EMBO) barangays after their jurisdiction shifted from Makati to Taguig in 2023, disrupting healthcare access for over 200,000 residents. Previously reliant on Makati’s programs, residents faced gaps in Taguig’s initiatives. Using a qualitative, Grounded Theory approach, the research conducted interviews with Barangay Chairpersons to analyze their adaptive strategies. Key findings revealed systemic disruptions, including closed health centers and spatial inequalities, leading to varied resilience among barangays. The study developed the Fragmented Resilience theory, highlighting four factors: Local Resources, Network Improvisation, Spatial Governance, and Resilience outcomes. Despite similar challenges, barangays exhibited uneven adaptability, with persistent healthcare disparities such as limited access to specialized services. This research contributes to understanding local governance in the Philippines, emphasizing the impact of jurisdictional shifts and offering insights for policymakers to enhance equitable and resilient systems. The Fragmented Resilience theory provides a framework for analyzing community adaptation in transitional environments.