4.4 . 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
- 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S E N A T E  
S.B.No. 55 
, 
Introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Based on a paper presented during the National Conference on National 
Disaster Mitigation, it appears that Filipinos are more reactionary than 
anticipatory in terms of disaster-preparedness and hazard awareness. It also 
seems that proactive planning to anticipate a probable disaster in the Philippines 
is low in the priorities of majority of its population, particularly among the low- 
income bracket because of the main preoccupation on daily subsistence and 
survival. 
Ironically, the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in 
the world. Its archipelago is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, 
tsunami, floods and droughts because of its geologic and geographical 
conditions. Moreover, the country lies between two major tectonic plates which 
makes it a highly seismic area. 
Every year, an average of about twenty typhoons enter the Philippines 
causing damages and unnecessary loss of lives. Flooding due to typhoons 
coupled with inadequate drainage systems cause chronic problems in major 
cities especially during the rainy season. 
In response to the need to minimize loss of lives, property damage and 
socioeconomic losses caused by natural disasters and in recognition of the 
eminent need to promote a pro-active disaster preparedness program, this 
proposed measure aims to integrate in the curricula of all primary and secondary 
schools of our educational system the subject on disaster awareness, disaster 
mitigation and preparedness. 


Such curriculum shall include, among others, courses on natural and 
man-made disasters in order to instill disaster awareness and promote active 
participation of the youth, students and society as a whole in disaster 
preparedness. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
MA - 
UEL “L 0” 
M. LAPID 
@ Senator 


. 
, ,  
I ,,. 
.. 
CENAtE’ 
’ 
’ 
; ” ,  , 
! 
W T  
,.... 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S E N A T E  
A 
S. B. No. 55 
4
’
 
W 
Introduced by Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF DISASTER AWARENESS AND DISASTER 
MITIGATION AS PART OF THE CURRICULUM OF ALL PRIMARY AND 
SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Teaching of disaster awareness and disaster mitigation is 
hereby required to be part of the curriculum of all primary and secondary schools 
in the Philippines. 
SEC. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). -Within ninety (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Education (DepEd) shall 
adopt the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 3. Appropriations. - The funds needed for this purpose shall be 
taken from the appropriations of the Department of Education. Thereafter, such 
amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included in the 
annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof which are 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid. 
SEC. 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved,