Integration of Disaster Risk Reduction in the Curriculum of Philippine Educational Institution

摘要

Filipinos regularly experience the brunt of hazards and are trapped in a never-ending cycle of disaster, displacement and rebuilding. The schools are certainly relevant in the discourse and practice of disaster risk reduction (DRR). This study examined the various efforts in integrating DRR in the curriculum among educational institutions in the Philippines. Based on the literature review and interview with DRR experts, the following contents emerged: overview of DRR, and initiatives of Philippine schools in mainstreaming DRR in the curriculum of basic and tertiary levels. Findings show that efforts on DRR implementation in Philippine schools is bolstered with the passage of international and national laws on DRR. The subject matter is also invariably integrated in the curriculum at the basic and tertiary levels. It is recommended that DRR should be offered as a mandatory subject for all learners in the schools, basic education teachers and teacher educators should be capacitated to handle DRR subject, accurate and updated resource materials should be used, and an interdisciplinary approach or knowledge from both physical/natural sciences and social sciences be adopted in analyzing natural disasters. It is hoped that this study will highlight the crucial role of educational institutions in building a culture of safety.