FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
7 JUL -2 
P r  
First Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
S.B. NO. 
57.1 
Introduced by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the National Conference on National Disaster Mitigation, funded by the International 
Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR), a scientific paper was presented articulating 
that the Filipino people are more reactionary than anticipatory in their disaster-preparedness and 
hazard awareness programs. The same date indicated 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, however, the Philippines is perhaps 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 of the world which makes it a highly seismic area. 
Every year, an average of ahout twenty typhoons enter the Philippines with their strong 
winds, storm surges and floods frequently damaging many properties and lives of may of its 
citizens. As a consequence, moreover, flooding due to typhoons cause chronic problems in 
Metro Manila given its inadequate drainage system. 
In response to the need to minimize loss of life, property damage and socio - economic 
losses caused by natural disasters and in recognition to the imminent need to promote a 
proactive disaster preparedness program, this proposed measure aims to integrate in the curricula 
of all primary and secondary schools of the educational system of the country the subject on 
disaster awareness and disaster mitigation. 
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 for the benefit of the nation. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
Senator 
0 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
1 
7 ZIUI. -2 p fi ::~ i, 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
/ 
IIE~:C;VE~~ a' 
: 
l_,._. *_ 
S E N A T E  
S.B. No. 
571. 
Introduced by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
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 (ZRR). - The Departmenl of 
Education, Culture and Sports 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, Culture and Sports (DECS). 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 which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 


SEC. 5. 
Effectivia Clnuse. - 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,