The Department of Education, Division of Benguet led by Ms. Nerissa Barbosa, Project Development Officer II organized teachers training to capacitate the new and untrained School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coordinator. The Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services (CorDisRDS) on the other hand provided technical and financial assistance for Itogon participants. The training was attended by 165 SDRRM coordinators, principals and teachers from the different schools in Benguet on January 14- 16, 2019 at Venus Parkview Hotel, Baguio City.
“Learning is complicated, so is teaching. Today we acquire knowledge on how to save lives” said Mr. Lucio Alawas, Chief Education Supervisor, SGOD Benguet Division in his opening message during The Roll out of Basic DRRM Modules and SDRRM Manuals which aimed at harmonizing the school disaster risk reduction management efforts by conceptualizing the relationship of the three pillars of the Comprehensive DRRM in Basic Education Framework, the School Improvement Plan integrating DRRM and the steps in implementing School DRRM.
The first captivating discussion were on basic concepts, understanding hazards, legal basis and Comprehensive DRRM Framework in the Basic Education. The topic levelled off the participants on the different terminologies of DRRM. Likewise, the connection of the three pillars of Comprehensive DRRM was reiterated to them as it is important in the making of their SDDRRMP.
Part of the training was the discussion on SDRRM committee roles and responsibilities shared by Mr. Yoshio Labi, LDRRMO III at MDRRMO- La Trinidad Benguet “Being a member and having part of the committee, you must be alert, and understand your responsibilities so you’ll know what to do in times of disaster. Linking SDRRMP at the Barangay Level is also important for the support of BLGU and integration in their BDRRMP and other plans”. Likewise, the importance of involving students in the DRRM activities such as school risk assessment was reiterated by Mr. Elizardy Karim Javar, PDO II, SDO Baguio City briefly during his discussion on the process and importance of Student- Led School Watching and Hazard Mapping.
Further, Ms. Barbosa highlighted the three major outcome of DepEd in her input on Introduction of School DRRM and Developing Risk Reduction Plans. In planning, school should consider the identification of the most vulnerable in order to protect them and the principle of building back better” she said. Among the major outcome of DepEd are access and quality education, to ensure continuity of education, inputs on Education in Emergencies, Alternative Delivery Modes and Temporary Learning Spaces were imparted to the participants by Ms. Barbosa. Reporting of Rapid Assessment of Damages and Reports through SMS was conducted by the teachers to enable them to know the proper format in reporting. This was further detailed by the discussion on contingency planning for learning continuity shared by Ms. Malag.