Hindering Factors in Implementing the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan of Daliao Elementary School: Basis for Strengthening DRRM Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Educational institutions worldwide had embraced the importance of disaster preparedness, response and education which is seen in the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) plan of the school. In the Philippines, the approach on the subject already shifted from being reactive to proactive. However, despite all the shifts, the problem of proper implementation hinders the goal for a Filipino culture of disaster management (Pantino, 2015). For this reason, the researchers aim to find out the hindering factors that affect the implementation of the DRRM plan. This initiative will help the DRRM implementers identify and solve the roots of the problem.

METHODS

The researchers used Quantitative-Qualitative research design involving fourteen (14) teachers of DaliaoElementary School purposively chosen from the total enumeration of teaching staffs during the school year 2018-2019. The level of preparedness was measured using the Localized DRRM Monitoring and Evaluation Tool from the Division of Sarangani while the hindering factors were identified using the survey questionnaire adapted and modified from Johnson (2014).

RESULTS

The study revealed that the school has a moderate preparedness capacity (29.55), two steps lower from the highest level. It was also found that there are three major hindrances in the implementation of DRRM plan and these are; Weak connection with disaster agencies and LGU's (92.8%), Lack of Budget and personnel (85.7%) and Lack of training in developing a program (71.4%).

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results, the school did not reach the highest disaster preparedness capacity because it was hindered by three major factors including; Weak connection with disaster agencies and LGU's (92.8%), Lack of Budget and personnel (85.7%) and Lack of training in developing a program (71.4%). This means that the school is not solely responsible for the success of implementing DRRM programs. It should be a collaborative effort of the school, community, NGO's and the government. Reaching the highest level of disaster preparedness requires a long term action plan which gives importance to activities revolving around the community awareness, contingency planning and conduct of local drills ( Jurilla, 2016). Further study is recommended using a larger sample size and a wider scope to identify other hindering factors in the DRRM plan of the schools in the division.