TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – All public elementary and secondary schools in the province were directed to undertake various efforts that promote heightened awareness, consciousness and mitigation that focus on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) among school administrators, teachers, personnel and school children.
In a division memorandum , Department of Education (DepEd)-Cavite Schools Division Superintendent Cherrylou D. Repia said the activities are pursuant to Executive Order No. 29 s 2017, which mandates all national government agencies, schools included, to observe the National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) – which falls in July every year. This year’s theme is “Katatagan sa Kalamidad ay Makakamtam Kapag Sapat ang Kaalaman sa Kahandaan (Achieving Disaster Resilience through Adquate Knowledge and Preparedness).”
Repia enjoins all public schools’ active participation in the nationwide campaign of building disaster resilience in schools at all levels by undertaking various activities such as posting of tarpaulin, intensive implementation of the standardized school DRRM team, and conduct student-led school watching and hazard mapping.
She also called for the establishment of school DRRM corner/space, where DRRM related activities and IEC materials may be posted; posting of updated emergency hotlines and evacuation plan; devoting time for class discussion on preparedness; mitigation and prevention during rainy season; and conduct of symposium or forum on DRRM.
The School Divisions Superintendent expects a narrative report of the schools’ efforts by July 26.
Formerly referred to as the National Disaster Consciousness Month, the annual observance was renamed NDRM to highlight the shift from disaster awareness building to disaster resilience.
The month-long celebration in July shall focus on four DRRM focal areas: disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response and disaster rehabilitation and recovery. (Gladys Pino/PNA)