SCHOOL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT
Republic Act 10121 otherwise known as Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (DRRM Act) is a law which transforms the Philippines’ Disaster Management System from disaster and relief response towards Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). It helps to identify and map local capacities to cope with environmental hazards. Ultimately, the DRR Approach helps us conduct effective disaster response while reducing risk that similar disasters will reoccur. It also ensures that our emergency response do no harm by replacing or reinstating critical vulnerabilities.
In response to this mandate of RA 10121, in coordination with the Municipal DRRMC, Barangay DRRMC, and other stakeholders, the Dagupan Elementary School 102743 created the School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (SDRRMC). A set of competent teachers and staffs were carefully selected to fill in the positions in the committee. Different teams were created such as the search and rescue team, medical/first aide team, evacuation team, communications team, security team, fire safety team, supply team, damage control, and transportation team.
The members of the committee have been oriented with their individual roles and responsibilities based on their positions. The school also made sure that the committee members are equipped with sufficient knowledge and skills that would enable to duly perform their functions.
With the aim to minimize risks in school, the SDRRMC continues to improve the quality of services that it offers to its learners and to the whole school community. The members continue to join knowledge and skills training and webinars to upscale their capacities to ensure safety and security within the school environment.
ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF SCHOOL DRRM COMMITTEEs (SDRRMCs)
1. Identify, assess and manage the hazards and risks that may occur in their locality;
2. Communicate about those hazards and risks, their nature, effects, early warning signs and countermeasures;
3. Identify and implement cost-effective risk reduction measures or strategies;
4. Take all necessary steps on an on-going basis to maintain, provide or arrange the provision of trained and competent personnel for effective and efficient disaster risk management in their areas of jurisdiction;
5. Respond to and manage the adverse effects of emergencies in their area of jurisdictions;
6. Carry out recovery activities;
7. Promote and raise public awareness of and compliance with policies and directives issued by the Chairman of DRRMO relative to disaster risk management;
8. Develop, approve, implement and monitor School Disaster Risk Management Plans and regularly review and test the plan consistent with other national and local planning programs;
9. Establish linkage and network with local government unit for disaster risk reduction and emergency response purposes;
10. Formulate, prepare and issue Orders, Memoranda and Issuances consistent with the requirements of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC);
11. Integrate risk reduction into school development plans, programs and budgets as a strategy in schools’ sustainable development and improvement plans; Establish an operating facility to be known as the School Disaster Operations Center; and
12. Prepare and submit to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the National Disaster Coordinating Council damage and needs assessment reports; and
13. Include as part of the School Improvement Plan disaster risk reduction measures to ensure safety, and security of all teaching, non-teaching and school children.