‘Disaster awareness’ subject urged in school curriculum

Magdalo Party-list Representative and senatorial candidate Gary Alejano is batting for the inclusion of the subject of “Disaster Awareness and Disaster Mitigation” in the curriculum of primary and secondary schools all over the country.

The opposition lawmaker made this pitch in House Bill (HB) No. 8044, which he filed in the current 17th Congress.

“The devastation caused by the two recent earthquakes that rocked the Philippines last Monday and Tuesday amplifies the need to include in the curriculum of our primary and secondary schools the subject regarding Disaster Awareness and Disaster Mitigation,” Alejano said.

The “Otso-Diretso” bet was referring to the magnitude-6.1 earthquake that hit Zambales Monday and the 6.5 earthquake that shook Eastern Samar less than 24 hours later.

Alejano said that studying such subjects in schools would “instill disaster awareness and promote the active participation of our youth on disaster preparedness.”

“This will also likely ensure that the nation as a whole will have a more coordinated disaster response,” stated Ale

jano, who is a former Marine captain.

Under HB No. 8044, Alejano recommended that the teaching of Disaster Awareness and Disaster Mitigation be included in the curriculum for all primary and secondary schools.

The subject should include courses on natural and manmade disasters in order to increase awareness of students regarding their causes and effects.

The Department of Education (DepEd) is mandated to prepare the necessary rules and regulations for proper implementation of this measure should it become a law.

“Our students should be made aware of the different hazards that they are likely to encounter in their own communities. They should know in advance what specific preparations to make before the onset of a disaster, what to do during disasters, and what actions to take in its aftermath,” Alejano said.

“Hopefully, through this measure, we will be able to minimize or prevent loss of lives, and decrease damage to properties,” he added.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture chaired by Cebu 5th district Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI.