SCHOOL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT
The Philippines is prone to multiple hazards. The education sector is one of the most vulnerable sectors during emergencies. It is among those that often suffer the impacts of disasters brought about by natural and human-induced hazards. From our experience, we recognize that disasters deprive children of their right to a continuous quality basic education in a safe environment. They threaten the lives of children, their families, and education personnel. Disasters also set back the investments made by the education sector.
Reducing disaster risks confronting the education sector is paramount to the achievement of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) outcomes, namely: access, quality, and governance. As such, the Department, as a member of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), has been building the resilience of education by advancing school safety. In accordance with this thrust, DepEd has created the Comprehensive DRRM in Basic Education Framework, which underscores the following three pillars or areas of focus: 1) Safe Learning Facilities; 2) School Disaster Management; 3) DRRM in Education. The ongoing implementation of these pillars is aligned with DepEd’s commitment to the four thematic areas of the Philippine DRRM Act of 2010, otherwise known as RA 10121. These areas are Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Rehabilitation.
To enable focused, effective and strategic implementation, DepEd has established the office of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), with regular full time staff in its central, regional and division offices. The division offices are responsible for ensuring that schools have a functioning disaster management team.
Reducing disaster risks confronting the education sector is paramount to the achievement of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) outcomes, namely: access, quality, and governance. As such, the Department, as a member of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), has been building the resilience of education by advancing school safety. In accordance with this thrust, DepEd has created the Comprehensive DRRM in Basic Education Framework, which underscores the following three pillars or areas of focus: 1) Safe Learning Facilities; 2) School Disaster Management; 3) DRRM in Education. The ongoing implementation of these pillars is aligned with DepEd’s commitment to the four thematic areas of the Philippine DRRM Act of 2010, otherwise known as RA 10121. These areas are Prevention and Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, Recovery and Rehabilitation.
To enable focused, effective and strategic implementation, DepEd has established the office of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service (DRRMS), with regular full time staff in its central, regional and division offices. The division offices are responsible for ensuring that schools have a functioning disaster management team.