LEVEL OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND RESPONSE CAPABILITIES OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE DIVISION OF QUEZON

This study determined the level of implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Program and the response capabilities of public elementary schools in the Division of Quezon. It also examined the respondents’ profile in terms of age, sex, position, highest educational attainment, and school size. The study assessed DRRM implementation in disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster recovery and rehabilitation. It also measured response capabilities in human resources, material facilities, knowledge, innovation and education, policies, plans and procedures, and capabilities and mechanisms. A descriptive quantitative research design was used with 209 school heads and DRRM coordinators as respondents from the Fourth Congressional District of Quezon selected through simple random sampling. A validated and pilot-tested survey questionnaire served as the main research instrument. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Chi-square test of independence. Findings revealed that most respondents were 21–30 years old, female, Teacher I–III, college graduates, and assigned in small schools. The DRRM Program was highly implemented in all areas mainly in disaster response. The schools were also rated highly capable in all response capability areas, although material facilities received the lowest rating. Problems encountered were generally less challenging, but limited resources and infrastructure vulnerability were moderately challenging. Significant relationships were found between most profile variables and DRRM implementation and response capabilities. Based on the findings, the study proposed a DRRM Sustainability Plan to strengthen school preparedness, response systems, resource support, infrastructure readiness, and role-based DRRM capacity-building.