The Schools Division of Surigao del Norte, through the Schools Governance and Operations Division - Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, successfully conducted the Batang Empowered and Resilient Team (BERT) Training with the active participation of 121 student representatives from various secondary schools, together with their School DRRM Coordinators. 

The two-day training featured a series of learning sessions and interactive workshops designed to strengthen students’ knowledge of disaster preparedness. On the first day, participants learned about Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) policies, programs, and plans, along with discussions on the national and international legal frameworks supporting DRRM. 

They also explored the roles of the youth in disaster management and joined an orientation on the Batang Empowered and Resilient Team (BERT), which concluded with a practical workshop on organizing BERT groups in schools.

The second day focused on interactive, output-based activities. It began with the Management of Learning and continued with a Workshop on Schools’ Needs and Gaps in DRRM Implementation, where participants analyzed their contexts. They later presented their outputs and carefully crafted Action Plans for BERT in Schools to help guide the effective institutionalization of the program at the school level. 

The training concluded with a heartfelt Closing Ceremony and Awarding of Certificates, recognizing the dedication and active participation of both the learners and facilitators. The event stood as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Schools Division of Surigao del Norte to strengthen the culture of safety and resilience in schools by equipping learners with essential leadership, preparedness, and teamwork skills. 

• September 25-26, 2025