Roles, Preparedness and Perceived Competencies in Disaster Management and Emergency Response of Teachers in Balete National High School: Basis for Enhancing the School's Disaster Risk Reduction Manage

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Philippines as an archipelago is situated within the typhoon belt which is highly susceptible to annual visits of natural disasters (PRC, 2010). Batangas City being part of the country is not exempted in the threat of natural disasters. Balete Integrated School situated in Barangay Balete located in the northern part of the city may also experience the same demise of natural disasters which will affect lives of students, teachers and members of its community.

With this, a localized study was conducted by the researcher to assess the roles, preparedness, and perceived skills and competencies in disaster management and emergency response of teachers for the reasons of preparing the school, teachers, and students against the impact of disaster. Furthermore, the study also wants to evaluate the school's disaster risk reduction management program.

METHODS

The study used descriptive research design in determining roles, preparedness, perceived skills, and competencies of 33 teachers in disaster management and emergency response from Balete Integrated School through questionnaires. The study investigated further the significant correlation among the roles, preparedness, skills and competencies, and number of training and seminars. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and multiple correlation analysis were used as statistical treatment.

RESULTS

Based on the findings, most of the teachers attended trainings on basic life support and basic first aid. As for the roles, preparedness and perceived competencies, the data revealed that most of the teachers performed their roles, are prepared, and most of them are skilled and competent in disaster and emergency response. Lastly, the study revealed that the roles, preparedness, skills, and competencies has no correlation to the trainings and seminars unlike the preparedness which displayed a significant correlation on the skills and competencies of teachers.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrate the need to enhance the school's disaster management program and include tapping different institutions, involve parents and stakeholders in disaster trainings and seminars in public educational institutions, and develop long-term activities thataim to strengthen the overall capacity in managing all types of emergency. Furthermore, teachers must take their active participation in improving the school's capacities in handling emergency situation through participation in planning and implementation of school's DRRM plan.