Results of Needs Analysis and Review of Related Literature

The geographic location of the Philippines, located between three moving tectonic plates, subjects us Filipinos to the constant threat of incoming earthquakes (Aurelio, 2000). For residents in NCR, the ever-present threat of “The Big One” looms. It is the devastating event of the 100-kilometer-long West Valley Fault slipping. In the event of The Big One, an expected 170,000 residential houses will collapse, as well as partial damages to 340,000 residential houses. On the other hand, 34,000 fatalities are expected along with 114,000 injured victims (Metropolitan Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study, 2004). Knowing the impending damage that could be possibly dealt by The Big One, preparation is a must.

Last 2010, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Act of 2010, was passed into law. The republic act mandates all local government units (LGUs) and concerned agencies to implement the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP), a legal basis for policies, plans, and programs for dealing with emergencies or disasters. In compliance with this law, the Department of Education (DepEd) is primarily responsible for teaching and guiding students in preparing for and responding to the impacts of the possible hazards.

Being located in Marikina City, Metro Manila, Meritxell Children’s World Foundation Inc. (MCWFI) is within a short distance of the West Valley Fault. Due to this, being aware of the seismic hazards and safety measures are especially important for the community. However, the majority of Filipino students have not practiced the NDRRMP since the beginning of the national lockdown. Schools have employed remote learning setups, thus limiting students to stimulate evacuation procedures for emergency situations.

Relevance and Need

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited children to practice evacuation and sample simulations for natural disaster emergencies, since school authorities are mandated to educate children on these matters. As education during this pandemic is now being implemented online, the students cannot be taught the emergency protocols properly. This is due to the suspension of physical earthquake drills of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic (Department of Science and Technology, 2021).

According to ASEAN Safe Schools Initiative (ASSI) these protocols and drills are necessary for children to learn as they teach them how to stay safe in times of calamities. Furthermore, as the orphanage home is not abundant in staff, we are taking the roles of their guardians in educating them about these invaluable lessons that they may bring with them in the future.

Being in a vulnerable country prone to natural disasters, Filipinos should be knowledgeable on following safety measures to prevent damages and fatalities. Most children do not have access to education emergency and protection during this COVID-19 pandemic. This community project intends to guide the children of Meritxell Children’s Foundation Inc. through educating them on risk disaster preparedness, giving them guidance and support in preparing them when calamities strike.

Objectives

This project aims to educate children all about natural disaster risk emergencies. In order to achieve this goal, the following specific objectives are set:

1. To inform children about natural disaster risk procedures

2. To practice an online simulation for disaster risk procedures

3. To prepare children for future natural disaster emergencies

4. To provide emergency-preparedness materials in a bag to the children

Documentation

By the end of the fundraising, the group was able to raise Php 5,400 from the bake sale. The target amount of Php 10,000 was not met due to time constraints in project implementation. In spite of this, the funds were enough to procure 7 emergency go bags for the Meritxell children. An extra amount of Php 1,200 was left, which will be used to buy snacks for the children when the group visits Meritxell Foundation. The group hopes to deliver the go bags personally, along with the learning materials on risk reduction management. 

Out of the four objectives set, one was not achieved. The group was not able to practice an online simulation of the disaster risk procedures with the community because of limited implementation time. The group ended up focusing on the fundraiser, thus compromising other parts of the project. Nevertheless, the group was still able to create materials that can be used by the community as guides on how to use the go-bag and what to do during, before, and after an earthquake. 

Firstly, the group successfully carried out the fundraising activity. The gathered amount was enough to acquire go-bags for the children of Meritxell. Additionally, because of the fundraiser, people outside the group were able to help the community through a simple action.

Throughout creating the learning materials for the children, the group realized how vital education is for natural disaster preparedness. Teaching risk disaster management at an early age helps in establishing a resilient foundation in times of calamities. Consequently, promoting capacity building before, during, and after unexpected crises.

Future collaborations with Meritxell may include conducting an online or in-person lecture with the children to effectively educate them on natural disasters and emergencies. Going to Meritxell Foundation physically would allow genuine interaction, building a relationship among the students and children. Moreover, face-to-face lectures on disaster preparedness would be more effective since this includes a lot of exercises and training.