Disaster-Preparedness of Public Elementary and Junior High Schools in Area III of the Division of Batangas Province: Basis for a Localized Action Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Different government agencies exhausted all efforts to manage risks of disasters, but still, damages persisted. Most hazards are still unmanaged. Threats are still present. Disasters and people's risks to these still exist. Numerous improvements and repairs on structures are yet to be attended highlighting those buildings which are always occupied by a massive population such as schools. Having so, a study that assessed the disaster-preparedness of public elementary and junior high schools was conducted.

METHODS

The descriptive-quantitative design was used in the conduct of this study. This covered schools from Area III of the Division of Batangas Province. It gathered responses from coordinators of each school on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Organization. Interviews were conducted among officials of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Their responses were used to support the quantitative data collected.

RESULTS

In its conduct, this study revealed that the schools' disaster-preparedness ranges from the great extent to a very great extent when assessed based on the conduct of the activities done before, during, and after a disaster. However, the study found out that there is a low percentage of the availability of materials, equipment, and facilities in schools intended for emergency/disaster occurrences. Although cannot assure disaster-preparedness, the results also demonstrate the need for schoolsto provide a complete set of emergency-response tools, materials, and equipment since these could still be a great factor in disaster-mitigation.

DISCUSSIONS

Coordination with external stakeholders is disaster-preparedness needs to be intensified. Materials needed for disaster-response shall be provided utmost. Disaster-preparedness of respondents in terms of community services and support, and financial resources are recommended for focus on further researches.