Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) were tasked to provide immediate and appropriate emergency assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and to implement health programs and standards in coordination with the local and national government. They are the frontliners in the community. This descriptive qualitative research study was conducted to determine the apprehensions and lessons learned by Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) on COVID-19 response among selected barangays in Zamboanga City. A total of 5 FDGs were conducted among barangays with the highest and fewest or no cases of COVID-19. It was represented by a total of 38 individuals that include 26 females and 12 males. Focus group discussion was utilized by the researcher to gather in-depth information about the apprehensions and lessons learned by the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) on COVID-19 response. Thematic analysis was utilized that gave attention to the responses according to patterns and themes. Apprehensions experienced among both groups include acquiring the COVID-19 virus which may lead to getting infected with COVID-19 disease and a potential source of virus contagion to loved ones and other people, discrimination such as being ridiculed within the workplace and neighborhood, and negative attitudinal reactions from family members, vaccination hesitancy due to possible vaccine adverse effects, and insufficient personal protective equipment. Lessons identified among barangays belonging to groups with high and low or no cases expressed that they have learned to improve their health practices specifically on disinfection, strengthen the immune system, and proper hygiene, dedication to serving, extended patience, compliance to health protocols and authority, and strengthened faith.

Keyword: Apprehensions and lessons learned Barangay health emergency response teams