Disaster Risk Reduction Management in Carcar Central Elementary School Cebu City

Abstract

School children are the most vulnerable group in times of disaster and empowering them to prepare for and respond to disaster is imperative. The creation of the culture of safety in school is one of the aims of any educational institution and Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) is its key. This study aims to determine the Disaster Risk Reduction Management in a public elementary school in Carcar City. A descriptive survey method was utilized in this study, where 71 respondents comprising administrators, teachers, PTA officers and student leaders were involved. Instruments used were the School Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Level of Knowledge, Level of Implementation, and an Interview Guide for the Focused Group Discussion which dealt on the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of DRRM. Findings revealed that the level of knowledge by the respondents is only “fair” while the level of implementation is at “low extent” only. Their insufficient awareness on different DRR measures lead its implementation not an impressive one. This was attributed to various challenges and barriers that hinder its effective implementation. They were not that familiar with their roles and responsibilities as the actors in the program implemented. It is therefore recommended that the proposed action framework, crafted by the researcher and the rest of the school’s DRR team, and with the participation of CDRRMO and the barangay captain, be utilized.