📄 Abstract
This study assessed how disaster preparedness programs are being implemented in public schools across the Pila District, Laguna, and how these efforts shape the readiness of School DRRM Coordinators. Anchored on the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the research examined three program areas prevention and mitigation, preparedness, and continuous improvement and linked them to readiness indicators such as knowledge, skills, compliance during drills, awareness, and confidence. Using a descriptive‑correlational design, data were collected from fifty coordinators through a validated survey questionnaire. Results revealed that schools implement preparedness programs at a very high level, and coordinators likewise demonstrate very high readiness. Continuous improvement was found to strongly influence knowledge of response procedures, while prevention and mitigation had the greatest impact on skills, compliance, awareness, and confidence. Preparedness activities, however, showed less consistent effects. These findings highlight that sustained improvement and preventive measures are the most critical drivers of readiness. The study recommends ongoing capacity‑building, regular drills, systematic monitoring of emergency resources, and continuous evaluation of preparedness systems to further strengthen resilience. Based on these results, a Disaster Preparedness Action Plan was developed to enhance coordination, training, and risk reduction strategies. The plan outlines targeted interventions involving school DRRM coordinators, teachers, school heads, and partner agencies to ensure safer and more resilient learning environments across Pila District schools.
🏷️ Keywords
📚 How to Cite:
Andrea Idos Samson, RCrim, Rosemarie D. Sabado, EdD , STRENGTHENING DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT PILA DISTRICT: FROM EVALUATION TO ACTION , Volume 11 , Issue 7, July 2026, EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD) , Pages: 9 - 14 ,