Preparedness on Disaster Risk Reduction Management Measures, Competence and Challenges Faced by Schools

This explanatory mixed-method research examines the preparedness, competence, and challenges of sixteen (16) school DRRM coordinators in Salcedo 1 district, Schools Division of Eastern Samar, in response to their task in implementing school DRRM measures. The data gathering techniques, namely, the use of the adopted questionnaire and focus group discussion, further explored their preparedness and competence, the challenges they experienced, their corresponding coping mechanisms, and the institutional mechanisms that support the implementation of DRRM in the said district. Significant results of the study revealed that the DRRM coordinators are somewhat prepared for the community risk assessment, communication system, and capacity building. Moreover, the competence level of school DRRM coordinators showed and was interpreted as “Highly competent.” Determining the association between preparedness level on DRRM measures and the competence of School DRRM coordinators resulted in a significant relationship between community risk assessment, communication system, and capacity-building the competence of school DRRM coordinators. Recommendations include sustaining the preparedness of coordinators, developing tactical response and command leadership skills, training in community risk assessment, substantial allocation of funds for DRRM, prioritization of DRRM activities, and integrating DRRM into School Improvement Plans (SIP) and embedding these activities within the school curriculum.