Level of Disaster Preparedness of Learners and Educators: Basis for a Proposed Disaster Preparedness Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the concerns of the Department of Education today is the disaster preparedness of both learners and educators. It is a National Program supported by the Department of Education ensuring the safety of both learners and the educators. The Department of Education issued the Comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) in Basic Framework (DepEd Order No. 37, s. 2015) to guide DRRM efforts in Basic Education sectors towards resilience-building in offices and schools and to ensure that quality education is continuously provided and prioritized even during disaster and or emergencies.

METHODS

This study used a descriptive survey method. This method of research concerns with the present phenomena in terms of conditions, practices, beliefs, processes, relationships or trends (Salaria, 2012). This type of method is devoted to the gathering of information about prevailing conditions or situations for the purpose of description and interpretation.

RESULTS

The level of disaster preparedness of both educators and learners on earthquake is high, which is interpreted as highly prepared. Also, the level of disaster preparedness of both educators and learners on fire is high which is interpreted as highly prepared. Moreover, the level of disaster preparedness of both educators and learners in terms of floods is also high which is interpreted as highly prepared. The level of disaster preparedness of both educators and learners on human disaster is high, which is interpreted as highly prepared. However, knowledge in terms of where to go when rebel groups attack their Barangay including their school was limited. The overall weighted mean on the level of disaster preparedness on learners and educators is 3. 09, which is interpreted as highly prepared. This implies that the educators and learners of Bukay Pait Elementary School are highly aware of their role in terms of any disaster as mandated by the Department of Education. Thus, their level of disaster preparedness was high.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn: The level of disaster preparedness of both educators and learners in earthquake, fire, flood and human disaster was high. The disaster preparedness plan covers the items that the educators and learners were poorly prepared namely: provision of evacuation/communication plan, the conduct of drills and conduct of first aid training workshop.