DEPED, RED CROSS TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

CHRISTINE U. MALAMUG

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) signed a memorandum of agreement recently to promote community resilience through trainings on Disaster Risk Reduction, Health and Welfare, First Aid and Basic Life Support, Welfare Services, other lifesaving courses, and International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

In compliance with Republic Act No. 10871 or the Basic Life Support Training in Schools Act, all DepEd offices and schools shall conduct capacity building and resilience education for emergency cardiovascular care and psychomotor training in coordination with the PRC, Department of Health (DoH), and the Philippine Heart Association (PHA).

At least one personnel per school shall be trained and certified by the PRC as First Aid and Basic Life Support instructor.

The Department encourages the organization of Red Cross Youth Councils in all elementary and secondary schools to promote a culture of safety, volunteerism, and respect for humanitarian values.

As provided for by DepEd Memorandum No. 102, s. 2011 entitled Establishment of the Red Cross Youth Councils and Training of Teachers in the Different Red Cross Services, the councils shall have one overall coordinator and at least one teacher or parent-adviser for every 43 youth members. Likewise, it shall be recognized as one of the school’s official co-curricular organizations per DepEd Order No. 38, s. 2005 entitled Recognition of the Red Cross Youth as Official Co-Curricular Organization in the Schools.

The Youth Formation (YF) Coordinators at the regional, schools division, and schools district office shall: oversee the organization and operation of the Red Cross Youth Councils; oversee the conduct of outreach activities and/ or volunteer involvements in their respective communities; and, provide regular reports to the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Coordinator at their respective level.

All DepEd Offices and schools are enjoined to organize activities to promote awareness and appreciation of IHL and Child Protection, which includes the commemoration of the International Humanitarian Law Day every 12th of August.

DRRM Coordinators at their respective levels shall oversee the overall implementation of the programs stipulated in the MOA.

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The author is Teacher I at Bebe Matua Elementary School, Masantol South District.