INTRODUCTION

Our country is rich with diversity of geographical features and is characterized by high temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall. Indeed, we are blessed by these features. Unfortunately, our country is prone to climate related catastrophes. Among the provinces of the Philippines, Cagayan- our beloved home is the most frequently visited area of tropical cyclones. In average, we are experiencing 20 typhoons in a year and most of the super typhoons lands in Cagayan. According to Disaster Risk and Vulnerability assessment Report, the southern part of the country experiences typhoons twice a year while the northern part of the country experiences four destructive typhoons in a year. In this regard, the community demands resilient ideas and plans in preparation to these kinds of calamities.

BACKGROUND

In the year 1975, the Illuru Barangay High School was officially declared open on July 25, 1975 by the late Mr. Sabino Acorda, the Schools Division Superintendent of the Province of Cagayan. The school is located at Illuru Norte, Rizal, Cagayan. It is situated near the Matalag river and surrounded by hills and mountains. The school’s demography indicates that it is suceptible to hazards such as flood. During heavy rainfall, the water with mud from the mountain rushes to the school that causes flood in some of it areas. In the past three years, the most common hazard that struck the school is tropical cyclones. Moreover, heavy rainfall due to weather disturbances (e.g. Amihan, Habagat & thunderstorms) also cause floods in the school since the school serves as the catch basin of water from the mountains. Elevated roads and lack of diverging canals make the school more vulnerable to floods.

OBJECTIVES

“This 2019 Contingency Plan covers Illuru National High School, Division of Cagayan. It provides information and detailed actions to be taken to reduce vulnerability and address the needs of the school in case of emergency like typhoons, floods, fire, and other related calamities. This process shall protect student’s right to safety and survival and to protect the teaching and non-teaching personnel of the school.

This contingency plan specifically aims to:

1. reduce the risk of disasters and hazards caused by human and natural agents;

2. enhance preparatory skills of the school community for major disasters;

3. establish a fully organized and functional SDRRM team;

4. increase awareness of school administrators and faculty to the importance of integrating DRRM in school programs and instruction;

5. ensure maximum care, assistance and services to affected learners and personnel to reduce the number of possible casualties or damages to properties, and

6. Establish systematic flow responsive actions between and among the school employees and stake holders.