Community In-Service Involvement (CII): Empowering Student-Action Force in School-Based Emergency Drills

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The annual Emergency Drills is a national mandate of the government. With this, disaster preparedness of the school and every student should always be carefully planned. In response to the success of school-based emergency drills facilitation, this study determined the effectiveness of forming the Community In-Service Involvement (CII) student-action force.

METHODS

The study employed descriptive research method in assessing the knowledge of CII student-members in different related variables related to the school practice of emergency drills. Later, it was subjected to correlational design as it related to the level of effectiveness in facilitating the activity. The scope of the study is limited in the holistic assessment of the CII student-members of their knowledge about assessment and planning activities, physical and environmental risk reduction, response to capacity development activities, and drop cover and hold and evacuation drills as cited in the models and templates presented for school disaster response drills by Risk RED (2009).

RESULTS

The study revealed that in planning for school-based emergency drills, the engagement of the school's administrator, teachers, students, Barangay officials and patrol and other community members are encouraged to ensure that most of the plans are effectively implemented. CII student-members are knowledgeable of most physical and environmental risk reduction standards imposed and that they also knew that some of the response capacity development activities and most of the practiced drop, cover, and hold practices are maintained by the school, leading them to act responsibly and to exhibit leadership qualities to a great extent. Lastly, CII student-members' knowledge of conducting emergency drills significantly affect their effectiveness in facilitating the activity.

DISCUSSIONS

Empowerment of CII student-patrol in conducting school-based emergency drills is recommended. Creating a core group that will manage school residents in times of emergency drills will help people become prepared and calm in times of emergencies. The teacher-coordinator of the CII student-patrol should work or organize capacity building program to help members become knowledgeable in facilitating response capacity development activities. Sustaining the engagement of CII student-patrol through responsible Leadership training camp will make them realize that being a good student leader will help guide others to safety in times of emergency.