Philippines: Promoting a culture of disaster preparedness in schools

By Michelle Catap Lacson

[...]

In October 2018, when Typhoon Lando struck most of the Luzon island, at least 864 classrooms in the typhoon-struck areas were affected, with 419 rendered as “severely damaged” as reported by the Department of Education.

This July, in line with the celebration of the National Disaster Resilience Month and the theme “Kahandaan sa Sakuna’t Peligro para sa Tunay na Pagbabago,” the Department of Education further strengthens its various programs and projects aimed at promoting a culture of disaster preparedness in schools.

Through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Service, DepEd commits to build a “resilient society” in times of disasters. The DRRMS, has been implementing DRRM programs, projects, and activities with the “aim of reducing risks and impacts of disasters for learners, personnel, schools, and offices arising from natural and human-induced hazards.”

The DepEd DRRMS also aims to “empower personnel, offices, schools, and learners in ensuring safety and learning community.” It also “institutionalizes DRRM, Climate Change Adaption (CCA) and Emergency in Education (EiE); and “strengthens the resilience of basic education in the context of natural and human-induced hazards.”

[...]