Communicating Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: Awareness and Responses of Saint Louis University- Laboratory High School in Baguio City

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the communication strategies used for disaster risk reduction and management in Saint Louis University – Laboratory High School (SLU-LHS) in Baguio City. It determined the socio-demographic profile of the respondents, identified the communication strategies utilized for information dissemination of disaster management, determined the respondent’s level of awareness in disaster management programs, identified responses of the respondents in terms of attitude and practices and identified the challenges experienced in conducting disaster management programs. The study was able to conduct a guided survey in SLU-LHS with 206 respondents coming from grades 7 through 10. The study was also able to conduct an interview with the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Magaaral (SANAMA), the student body organization of the school, as well as an interview with CDRRMC. Based on the results of the study, the disaster management programs spearheaded by the CDRRMC, in cooperation with the SLU-LHS, uses multiple communication strategies in disseminating disaster information to the students. However the study shows that the majority of the respondents have limited understanding of the purposes of the disaster management programs even though they are well versed in following the guidance and the lessons taught in the program. On the other hand, the attitudes of the respondents are mostly positive thus determining that the programs made an impact on their attitude and behaviors. The practices of the respondents with regards to disaster management programs leans more on familiarization of basic strategies and techniques for disaster risk reduction while active practices such as attending basic life support trainings are somewhat lacking. The challenges faced by the school in the implementation of the disaster management programs are the lack of participation. Though they are required to attend the programs, they often find the programs boring. Thus the solution of the CDRRMC and the school is to make the programs more exciting for the students.