Disaster Preparedness Practices in Selected Public Elementary Schools of San Juan West District, Division of Batangas

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The study focused on assessing the conduct of disaster preparedness practices in selected public elementary schools of San Juan West District in the Division of Batangas Province for the School Year 2018-2019. Specifically, this study covers deals with the perceptions of the respondents to natural and human-induced disasters relative to fire, flood, typhoon, landslide, an earthquake. It also covers the disaster preparedness practices among selected elementary schools. Lastly, the researchers also put emphasis on the problems encountered by the respondents in the conduct of disaster preparedness practices.

METHODS

The subject of the study was the 26 elementary teachers of the selected public elementary schools of the said research locale obtained through purposive sampling. This study has utilized the descriptive-survey design with the questionnaire as the major instrument for gathering data. The results of this study were interpreted with the use of ranking, weighted mean and composite mean.

RESULTS

The assessments of the respondents revealed that they moderately agreed that natural and human-induced disasters may occur and incur negative effects in their area. Moreover, disaster preparedness practices in elementary schools were moderately practiced. It indicates that the respondents exert their efforts to become prepared and ready to respond in times of emergency and disaster crises. However, the findings also indicate they occasionally encounter problems relative to the said practices. Of these problems, the early warning system is the most evident.

DISCUSSIONS

The results recommended the following: 1. The schools may encourage its staff to participate in different pieces of training, workshops, and seminars on disaster preparedness and response. 2. The schools may conduct seminars and training to increase the awareness of its stakeholders regarding disasters such as fire, flood, typhoon, landslide, and earthquake. 3. The selected elementary schools of San Juan West District, Division of Batangas may continue to enhance their disaster preparedness practices. 4. The schools may utilize the knowledge and awareness of their staff in enhancing their Disaster Risk Reduction Management and Contingency Plans.