ASSESSING SELECT PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISASTER AND RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT DURING PANDEMIC RESTRICTION IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

This study uses a descriptive methodology to assess the implementation of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) by selected public schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey data were collected with a two-part questionnaire to construct a demographic profile of the respondents and assess the level of DRRM implementation by the schools in four thematic areas: disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster rehabilitation and recovery. Eighty-one teachers from five high schools participated in the survey. The participants were diverse in terms of age, sex, length of service, field of specialization, and level of training on DRRM. The level of DRRM implementation was high in all four thematic areas. Means and standard deviations were 3.06 ± 0.49 for disaster prevention and mitigation, 2.99 ± 0.51 for disaster preparedness, 2.99 ± 0.59 for disaster response, and 2.98 ± 0.49 for disaster rehabilitation and recovery. Overall, the four thematic areas were carefully observed and implemented by the surveyed schools during the pandemic. The schools adhered to the standards prescribed by the national DRRM council and reinforced by order of the Philippine Department of Education. It is highly recommended that schools maximize their implementation in these four areas and create ways to enhance their ability to deal with disasters.