300 pupils learn about disaster preparedness

CEBU, Philippines - In a bid to inculcate disaster preparedness among students, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has taught students on how to respond to calamities.

More than 300 pupils from different schools across Cebu participated in the provincial government’s school-based risk reduction program.

The elementary students were from the cities of Toledo, Naga, and Mandaue.

Senen Paulin, Naga Schools Division superintendent, has lauded the PDRRMO for intensifying efforts on the disaster preparedness and mitigation.

“The program was essential to the children who are vulnerable in times of disasters,” Paulin said.

PDDRMO information and training officer Elviena Subang said the attendees were treated to interactive and informative discussions on climate adaptation and mitigation, hazard mapping, and risk assessment, among others.

She said children have learned the importance of being prepared in case of emergencies.

“The activity put emphasis on informing the young individuals on the importance of risk reduction and response operations during disasters like earthquake, typhoon, fire, and landslide, among others,” she said.

With the help of the program development officers of the Department of Education, Subang said PDRRMO aims to “actively engage” students in the Disaster Risk-Reduction – Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (DRR-CCAM) through the said activity.

Subang said they emphasized on disaster risk reduction management and practices in consonance with the country's observance of National Disaster Resilience Month.

The month of July is declared as the National Disaster Consciousness Month by virtue of Executive Order 137 signed in August 1999 by then president Joseph Estrada. (FREEMAN)