ABSTRACT
This a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study of ten (10) DRRM Coordinators from ten public elementary schools were revealed Twelve emerging themes: Strengthening disaster preparedness; integrating climate change adaptation and mitigation in education; responsive leadership during emergencies; capacity building and collaboration; financial and resource constraints; communication and geographic challenges; limited training and skills gaps; and weak institutional coordination; and continuous training and development. Findings indicate that while coordinators demonstrate commitment and adaptive practices, DRRM implementation remains constrained by resource and system limitations. The study informed the development of a proposed District Contingency Plan.
Keywords: Experiences, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coordinators, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, District Contingency Plan
INTRODUCTION
Disasters and crises, ranging from natural calamities to fires and other dangers, persisted as substantial risks to the security and welfare of students, faculty, and the community. Recent times have witnessed a rise in both the occurrence and intensity of natural disasters, underscoring the imperative for proficient disaster preparedness and response plans. Schools played a pivotal part in safeguarding students' well-being amidst emergencies, necessitating the establishment of robust Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) initiatives within educational institutions. DRRM programs were designed to alleviate the effects of disasters and emergencies on schools, students, and the community. These initiatives encompassed various activities such as evaluating risks, planning for disaster preparedness, and executing emergency response and recovery measures. DRRM coordinators assumed a critical role in handling emergency scenarios within schools, overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of DRRM programs. However, despite their significance, there existed a dearth of research on the experiences of DRRM coordinators concerning school emergency management, (San Jose 2022).
Based on the district DRRM data, 6 out of 10 school DRRM coordinators were having a hard time in implementing DRRM-related programs and projects, especially regarding climate change adaptation. This might have been due to a lack of support from stakeholders and other uncertain factors.
In the study of San Jose (2022), lack of community drills, inadequate disaster facilities and equipment, poor implementation of laws, absence of a Standard Operation Manual, inadequate community warning systems, lack of disaster response vehicles, and the reluctance of residents to pre-emptively evacuate were factors that affected the implementation of DRRM programs.
This study sought to bridge this gap by delving into the experiences of DRRM coordinators regarding school emergency response and climate change adaptation. The investigation concentrated on comprehending the obstacles and achievements encountered by DRRM coordinators and how these encounters could inform the improvement of current programs and the creation of new ones. The research aimed to furnish valuable insights for enhancing the readiness and responsiveness of schools during emergencies and climate change adaptation. By grasping the experiences of DRRM coordinators, schools could enhance their capacity to prepare for and address emergencies, thereby ensuring the safety and welfare of all members of the school community.
There were studies conducted regarding disaster risk reduction and management, but they were conducted in a different setting, especially since the Schools District had no Contingency Plan to use for the whole district. This study specifically explored the experiences of DRRM coordinators in the municipality of San Miguel; it was therefore needed that this research be conducted.
The researcher, being DRRM Coordinator for five years, wanted to determine the Experiences of Disaster Risk Reduction Management Coordinators on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (CCAM): Bases for a District Contingency Plan in the Schools District of San Miguel during the school year 2024-2025.
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