Flood Preparedness of Selected Elementary Schools in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines

Abstract

Preparedness is an integral component of any organization to thrive in a disaster-prone setting. This study aimed to appraise flood preparedness of eight (8) selected schools of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay that uses quantitative-qualitative method. Purposive sampling was used for teachers and Local Disaster Risk Reduction Evaluators, and random sampling for grade six (6) pupils. Researcher-made questionnaires were administered which were subjected to content validity and reliability tests. Seven schools rated “Good” in disaster-preparedness activities namely: Disaster Risk Reduction Group, Preparation of Disaster Risk Reduction Plan, and Disaster Risk Reduction Measure. The 76.7% of teachers were “Very Capable” in Flood Preparedness Mitigation, 86%, and 80.2% were “Very Capable” in Flood Response, and Flood Rehabilitation, respectively. The level of capability was due to proper dissemination, advocacy, and campaign among Local Disaster Risk Reduction Evaluators. Furthermore, 28.4% of pupils were “Fully Informed”, and 36.9% were “Almost Fully Informed” about the flood in their schools. Capacitating teachers, pupils, and other external stakeholders should be continued, and close coordination with Local Disaster Risk Reduction Evaluators should be sustained since the flood-control mechanism can be managed when everyone is engaged in disaster-preparedness activities.