Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM)

Schools are mandated to form School DRRM team, which is headed by a designated coordinator. The DRRM Team and Coordinator are expected to: ensure the establishment of an early warning system for the school, conduct an annual student-led risk identification and mapping within and around the school premises, plan and implement disaster preparedness measures, maintain the safekeeping of vital school records and learning materials, track all school personnel during disasters, conduct damage assessments, facilitate immediate resumption of classes, and monitor recovery and rehabilitation interventions being implemented in the school, among other roles and responsibilities.

The School Division Office (SDO) provides support to and leads schools in the implementation of DRRM initiatives, and integrates DRRM in the Division Education Development Plan. Additionally, the SDO monitors safe site selection and construction of new school buildings, and recommends possible class suspension to the local DRRM Council. During emergencies, the SDO prepares for and facilitates possible deployment and provision of resources to affected SDO personnel and schools.

The Regional Office supports the SDOs in implementing DRRM initiatives, issues policies and monitors DRRM activities, conducts policy research on DRRM, and integrates DRRM in the Regional Education Development Plan. The Regional Office also maintains close coordination and collaboration with the Regional DRRM Council.

Clear structure and mechanisms are in place for early warning and emergency response from national to school levels. Immediately after the occurrence of any hazard, all affected schools are required to report the effects using the Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADAR) templates via SMS. All RADAR should be submitted within 72 hours after any hazard occurrence to facilitate the immediate determination of needs and necessary provision of assistance. Immediate, as well as, recovery and rehabilitation assistance, including school clean-up and repair, construction of temporary learning space, provision of learning materials, and reconstruction of classrooms are based on the RADAR submission of schools.

At the same time, the general public is involved in the reporting of damaged schools through posting of photos and information on DepEd’s social media sites –Twitter and Facebook.

https://aseansafeschoolsinitiative.org/school-safety-in-thephilippines/#:~:text=The%20DRRM%20Team%20and%20Coordinator,of%20vital%20school%20records%20and