MANILA, Philippines–A Quezon City alderman is pushing for a measure that would require private and public school teachers in the city to undergo disaster risk reduction training and ensure the safety of students in their charge.
Third district councilor Jose Mario Don De Leon has proposed an ordinance that would make it mandatory for faculty members of private and public schools to undergo risk reduction training as provided by Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2010 so they could provide additional manpower in times of disaster.
The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act underscores the necessity of being prepared for any disaster, natural or man-made, in order to prevent or lessen its effects.
The alderman noted, in seeking the measure, how a number of schools are often used as evacuation centers in times of calamities such as flashfloods, earthquakes, and fire.
With all barangays required to organize their respective barangay emergency response teams to respond to cases of immediate risk to life and health, he said, “The same training and seminars should be conducted for the faculty members of private and public schools, since majority of the children and youth are likewise to be inside campuses during daytime, should any disaster or emergency occur.”
De Leon said that the students’ parents will “feel a lot better” knowing that teachers are properly trained to provide immediate medical response in emergency situations.