Biosecurity: Awareness and Its Significance

utilized the qualitative research design, where ten participants from different professions and runs of life were surveyed and interviewed. Various online platforms like Messenger and Google forms, as well as a one-on-one individual depth interview, were conducted and used to gather the information needed. The findings are presented as follows: in terms of awareness, a community needs to be educated and knowledgeable about biosecurity; in terms of leadership and practice and implementation, to have success in biosecurity in the municipality, there must be a reliable leadership and strict implementation of ordinances; and in terms of behavior, it has a big role on strengthening biosecurity in Kalamansig. This study concluded that a biosecurity program is essential, and needs more attention in the Philippines. This study is beneficial to society in the present age and in the years to come as it aims to strengthen society’s human biosecurity and protect the health and wellbeing of every individual. © 2021 Kantor Jurnal dan Publikasi UPI Article History: Received 29 Mar 2021 Revised 10 May 2021 Accepted 09 Aug 2021 Available online 20 Aug 2021 ____________________ Keyword: Biosecurity, Community, COVID – 19, Human health, Implementation, Leadership. Indonesian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research Journal homepage: http://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/ IJOMR/ Indonesian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research 1(2) (2021) 295-298 Angas et al., Biosecurity: Awareness and Its Significance| 296 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10. 17509/xxxx.vxix pISSN 2776-608X eISSN 2776-5970


A B S T R A C T S
A R T I C L E I N F O This study was purposely made to assess biosecurity, or the management of risks to health, economy, industry, and environment. The consequences are caused by the worldwide pandemic proved the need for a biosecurity program, therefore making this study significant. The study utilized the qualitative research design, where ten participants from different professions and runs of life were surveyed and interviewed. Various online platforms like Messenger and Google forms, as well as a one-on-one individual depth interview, were conducted and used to gather the information needed. The findings are presented as follows: in terms of awareness, a community needs to be educated and knowledgeable about biosecurity; in terms of leadership and practice and implementation, to have success in biosecurity in the municipality, there must be a reliable leadership and strict implementation of ordinances; and in terms of behavior, it has a big role on strengthening biosecurity in Kalamansig. This study concluded that a biosecurity program is essential, and needs more attention in the Philippines. This study is beneficial to society in the present age and in the years to come as it aims to strengthen society's human biosecurity and protect the health and wellbeing of every individual.

INTRODUCTION
The COVID -19 pandemics has caused massive commotion around the world (Khoiriyah et al., 2021). It has caused stress, anxiety, and uncertainties, and people from all walks of life are affected (Shailaja et al., 2020). The country has been faced with the reality that it was unprepared and unequipped to combat such a pandemic. Unfortunately, most were not knowledgeable about the necessary actions that need to be taken to avoid acquiring and spreading the virus, which is why there was such a massive outbreak the country struggled to control. Given this situation, raising awareness about the role of biosecurity in human health is essential.
Biosecurity refers to measures taken to stop the spread or introduction of harmful organisms to human, animal, and plant life. It also aims to protect against acts of bioterrorism and prevent adverse biosecurity events and offer advice on appropriate interventions and political and social changes that should be adopted by government regulatory agencies. In addition to this, the overarching goal of biosecurity is to prevent, control, and manage health and life risk as appropriate to the particular sector on biosecurity.
In developing countries like the Philippines, one of the biosecurity issues is that it is a relatively new term. It explains why most are unfamiliar with its necessity in the health and well-being of every individual. The study is purposely made to know the significance of biosecurity in assuring humans' safety against bio-risks, its role in the community, and the approaches that will help improve the current state of biosecurity in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. This research aims to provide quality information that will be valuable in protecting human life by preventing the widespread of bio-risks.

METHODS
To appraise the awareness and significance of biosecurity in the municipality, we utilized the phenomenological approach of the qualitative type to explore the participant's lived experience or understanding how participants make sense of their personal and social world.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The COVID-19 has speedily affected not only our day-to-day life, but also our businesses, and it disrupted world trade and movements (Haleem et al., 2020). Chakraborty and Maity, (2020) state that the pandemic caused by the COVID-19 is considered the most crucial global health calamity of the century and the greatest challenge that humankind has faced since the 2nd World War. Thus, the said virus is a reminder that the threat of a global pandemic is everpresent. It's a call for national governments to be prepared.
In this study, 10 respondents, of which is composed of a politician, businessman, religious leader, a citizen from the municipality of Kalamansig, two medical students, two medical practitioners, and two teachers, were interviewed and surveyed. This was how they responded to questions given to them.
Upon utilizing the intended data approach analysis, 5 emergent themes were generated: Awareness on Biosecurity, Benefits of Biosecurity, Practice and Implementation, Effects of Human Behavior, Role of Leaders.
The findings of the study were summarized as follows: (i) Awareness of Biosecurity. Participants gave their opinions on the importance of knowing biosecurity. (ii) Benefits of Biosecurity. The participants said that biosecurity serves as a reminder of the steps that must be taken to prevent the spread of bio-risks. (iii) Practice and implementation. The progress of the implementation of biosecurity-related ordinances is based not only on the actions of the authorities but also on the full cooperation of the people. (iv) Effects of Human Behaviour. Based on the participants' responses, human behavior is an important factor in avoiding the acquiring and spreading of bio-risks in the community. (v) Role of Leaders. The participants stated that the heads should be responsible for leading the way towards the implementation of biosecurity.

CONCLUSION
Overall, biosecurity plays an essential role in assessing related threats to human, animal, and plant life, as well as environmental risks. It is critical, particularly in this time of the pandemic, because biosecurity is about mitigating and preventing bio-risks. It also serves as our defense or shields against harmful pathogens when coming in contact with those that could pose threats to our health. In addition, contemporary plans are much needed to be ready; municipal authorities must develop preparations in this regard and work with other partners to construct a strategy from the possible threats brought by bio-risks to humanity. Government officials should boost more support for this topic in their political plan. Biosecurity's overarching mission is to deter, monitor, and mitigate life and health threats necessary to each sector. In doing so, biosecurity is an integral component of agriculture and sustainability, and human welfare. To be able to have strong and reliable biosecurity, the awareness and cooperation of the leaders and citizens is a must.