Integration of Disaster Risk Reduction in the Curriculum of Philippine Educational Institution

Abstract

Filipinos regularly experience the brunt of hazards and are trapped in a never-ending cycle of disaster, displacement and rebuilding. The schools are certainly relevant in the discourse and practice of disaster risk reduction (DRR). This study examined the various efforts in integrating DRR in the curriculum among educational institutions in the Philippines. Based on the literature review and interview with DRR experts, the following contents emerged: overview of DRR, and initiatives of Philippine schools in mainstreaming DRR in the curriculum of basic and tertiary levels. Findings show that efforts on DRR implementation in Philippine schools is bolstered with the passage of international and national laws on DRR. The subject matter is also invariably integrated in the curriculum at the basic and tertiary levels. It is recommended that DRR should be offered as a mandatory subject for all learners in the schools, basic education teachers and teacher educators should be capacitated to handle DRR subject, accurate and updated resource materials should be used, and an interdisciplinary approach or knowledge from both physical/natural sciences and social sciences be adopted in analyzing natural disasters. It is hoped that this study will highlight the crucial role of educational institutions in building a culture of safety.

The Design and Implementation of a Teacher Training Program for Improving Teachers' Disaster Literacy: Interdisciplinary Disaster Education Program (Idep)

“…In the study conducted with primary and lower secondary school students and their teachers (Zhu & Zhang, 2017), students expressed the need to strengthen school disaster education. In support of this study, studies on reducing the disaster risk mentioned that education should be used as an effective tool (Baytiyeh, 2017;Cabilao-Valencia et al, 2018;Sözcü, 2019;Vaughter, 2016).…”

The Inclusion of Disaster Risk Reducation in Classroom and Extra-Curricular Activities: A Case of Rural Balochistan, Pakistan

“…Research shows that education and disaster knowledge are closely linked. Schools provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to handle environmental challenges (Árvai, 2014;Cabilao-Valencia et al, 2019;Muttarak & Lutz, 2014). DRR has been promoted as a part of the educational system in many countries.…”

“…More knowledge imparted through professional development for teachers necessitates an enormous contribution than textbooks. Schools impart to students the knowledge, principles, and skills they will need to deal with environmental challenges (Cabilao-Valencia et al, 2019). Teachers' capacity and duty in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) are crucial for student safety and community understanding.…”

Nursing Students’ Perceptions about the Effects of Climate Change on Health: A Descriptive Exploratory Study

“…The Philippine basic education includes Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) subjects among elementary and secondary students. In this subject, DRRM education is integrated into subjects such as natural sciences, social studies, and Earth and Life Science at different grade levels, focusing on hazard awareness, disaster management principles, and community-based practices (Cabilao-Valencia et al, 2019). Therefore, a good foundation, as early as elementary level, is essential in developing a good understanding of climate change and its causative factors.…”