School-Based Disaster Preparedness and Response Measures of School Heads in Davao De Oro Division: A Mixed-Methods Study

This study examined the implementation of school-based disaster preparedness and response measures among school heads and School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (SDRRM) coordinators in the Davao de Oro Division. Anchored on DepEd Order No. 033, s. 2021 and the Crisis Management Plan framework, the study used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The quantitative phase involved 168 respondents composed of 84 school heads and 84 SDRRM coordinators from the First District of Davao de Oro, selected through stratified random sampling. A validated survey questionnaire adapted from DepEd Order No. 033, s. 2021 was used, and data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with 10 purposively selected participants consisting of five school heads and five SDRRM coordinators. Results showed a very high overall implementation of school-based disaster preparedness and response measures (M = 4.52, SD = 0.57). Disaster response measures obtained the highest mean (M = 4.57, SD = 0.53), followed by preparedness for response (M = 4.55, SD = 0.54) and preparedness in normal times (M = 4.44, SD = 0.65). Qualitative findings explained the high ratings through nine themes: participatory contingency planning, proactive physical mitigation, leadership commitment, preventive safety measures, community-based communication, strategic continuity planning, humanitarian response, instructional continuity, and adaptive learning strategies. The study concludes that school-based DRRM implementation is strongly institutionalized, but resource support, alternative communication systems, backup power, emergency equipment, and psychosocial response training still require strengthening.

school-based disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, school heads, SDRRM coordinators, DepEd Order No. 033, crisis management, mixed methods

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