Develop Disaster Risk Reduction Awarenessand Preparation Skills among Grade 6 Pupils of Tejero Elementary School, General Trias City through Project Palad for Community Resilience

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Disasters may happen anytime and anywhere. We can never tell the risk it may bring. Thus, Tejero Elementary School, created PROJECT PALAD (Program Activities and Linkages to Avoid Disaster) to promote the general welfare and general information on Risk Reduction and Management, protect lives and properties of parents and pupils and soon help in community resilience. This study sought to determine whether PROJECT PALAD would be effective in enhancing the greatest awareness of pupils, parents and external stakeholders of Tejero in Risk Reduction and Management in whatever calamities will arise. It examines the use of Project PALAD by looking at the results and opinions of selected Grade 6 pupils in Tejero Elementary School for the school year 2017-2018.

METHODS

Using descriptive statistical analysis, a comparison of two groups of pupils, fifty (50) pupils were randomly assigned to the controlled group and the other fifty (50) to the experimental group. The experimental group used Project PALAD including different projects and activities on disaster awareness while the control group did not experience/encounter the said activities. The data were collected using a T-test for independent variables to determine the significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups in the activities given. And even semi-structured interviews. The experimental group which was given risk reduction and management activities performed much better than the control group.

RESULTS

These show that pupils who participated in Project PALAD and DRR activities can mitigate and prevent the untoward incidence and had a higher score than those pupils who were not. The research showed that there is a significant difference between the mean scores of the two groups. This is an accord with research indicating that learners' knowledge levels increased using Disaster awareness activities and the school even won an award as the Most Outstanding DRRM implementer. The study concludes that Project PALAD, with a helping hand, is a successful one through the testimonies and results of many learners interviewed about how the program helped them.

DISCUSSIONS

This program gave them the knowledge and information that everyone is responsible for taking care of themselves and others. This also became a big part of each family on the importance of being aware and prepared during a calamity. Hence, it is recommended that the use of PROJECT PALAD in elementary schools be strengthened to contribute as well in community resilience.