DEVELOPING AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS FOR BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES: A PROPOSAL

Abstract

Recent global disasters such as Hurricane Maria, the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and the 2019–2020 Australian wildfires have highlighted the importance of effective emergency preparedness and disaster response. Hurricane Maria alone caused over 4,600 deaths and $98 billion in damages, while the Sichuan earthquake claimed nearly 70,000 lives, according to international disaster monitoring agencies. These events underscore the critical need for institutions, including academic environments, to establish comprehensive emergency preparedness and safety protocols. This study aims to propose a structured emergency preparedness and safety plan tailored for Bestlink College of the Philippines to enhance disaster readiness and ensure community safety. This research employed a descriptive design and purposive sampling technique, involving 50 respondents: 30 students, 10 professors, and 10 school staff. Data were collected through structured survey questionnaires designed to assess the current level of awareness, preparedness, and perceived needs related to safety and emergency protocols within the school community. This approach allowed for detailed profiling of respondents in terms of their roles, responsibilities, and relevant demographic characteristics. The findings revealed strong agreement among respondents regarding the necessity of developing emergency preparedness and safety protocols. Weighted mean scores included 3.6 for establishing rules and regulations, 3.5 for student awareness of school safety policies, 3.48 for conducting detailed risk assessments, 3.47 for placing signage about potential hazards, and 3.44 for conducting emergency preparedness seminars. The most cited concern was the need for formalized rules and regulations to ensure the school’s readiness in terms of emergency response and safety management. The demographic profile showed that 60% of respondents were students, while 20% were professors and 20% were school staff. Most respondents (72%) were aged 18 to 25, with a majority being female (54%) and single (86%). Additionally, 62% of respondents were at the college level. The results emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive emergency preparedness and safety protocol tailored to the institutional environment. The study recommends that Bestlink College of the Philippines establish clear procedures, conduct regular safety training, and engage the community in disaster risk reduction practices to build a resilient academic institution.