ANGARA WANTS DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TAUGHT IN ALL ELEMENTARY, HIGH SCHOOLS

As the country braces for a possible "supertyphoon", Senator Sonny Angara reiterated his proposal to incorporate disaster awareness and mitigation in the school curriculum in a bid to minimize the impact of natural disasters.

"The Philippines is perhaps one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Every year, about 20 typhoons enter the Philippines with their strong winds, storm surges and floods--damaging many properties and lives of our kababayans," Angara said.

Angara has filed Senate Bill 1944 which seeks to require the teaching of disaster awareness and mitigation as part of the curriculum in all primary and secondary schools in the country.

The lawmaker said such measure is a must for the Philippines, which is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, tsunami, floods and droughts because of its geologic and geographical conditions.

"Bilang isang ama, ramdam ko ang takot ng mga magulang sa tuwing hindi nila kasama ang kanilang mga anak sa oras ng mga sakuna. This is why it is important to equip students with knowledge on mitigating and managing hazards and risks brought by natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes," Angara said.

He further explained that the proposed measure is in response to the need to minimize loss of life, property damage and socioeconomic impact caused by natural disasters.

Once enacted, the Department of Education shall adopt the necessary rules and regulations to implement the law's provisions.