Emergency Preparedness of High-Risk Schools in South Cotabato: Basis in Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study is primarily aimed to determine the emergency preparedness of high-risk public schools in South Cotabato which will serve as basis in developing an enhanced Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan. The school heads, teachers, and school personnel should be aware, alert, and vigilant of the hazards and what to do before, during, and after their occurrence, in order to reduce damage and impact to lives and property. The reading public, on the other hand, will know that the department is truly working towards an efficient and caring educational system. It is worthy to note that laws and policies are already in place. The question lies now as to how these issuances were implemented in the schools especially those which are located in high-risk areas.

METHODS

The research was carried out in fifteen (15) enumerated high-risk public schools in South Cotabato. The respondents involved in this study were fifteen (15) school heads, thirty-three (33) teachers, two hundred seventy-two (272) learners, and forty-five (45) LDRRM Officers—a total of 364 respondents. The data were gathered through questionnaires and interview. Statistical tools used include, frequency, percentage, weighted mean, one-way ANOVA and t-test.

RESULTS

The identified high-risk schools in South Cotabato are prone to earthquake, flood, grassfire, landslide, volcanic eruption, and strong wind. School heads, teachers, and learners have a common level of preparedness in case of disaster while in terms of capacity to manage disasters, school heads and teachers are moderately prepared. Moreover, the issues and concerns met by the teachers along the implementation of disaster preparedness program include the lack of funds, lack of trained teachers in DRRM, lack of emergency-related supplies, and lack of emergency equipment.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results, the researcher recommends development of a policy of coordination among Local DRRMO and other agencies involved in LDRRMC. Disaster needs a multi-sectoral and partnership approach in order to lessen vulnerability. Moreover, more comprehensive vulnerability mapping to identify the risk and hazard must be carried out. There should be an assessment of all physical infrastructure, number of teachers and learners at risk, and hazard areas which is very significant to reduce risk. Thus, the integration of Disaster Risk Reduction in the curriculum must be intensified so that learners even at a young age will be educated in disaster risk awareness and its effects.