14'h CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
170 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the National Conference on National Disaster Mitigation, funded by the 
International Decade for the 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 on 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 about 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 caused by natural disaster preparedness prograq this proposed measure aims 
to integrate in the curricula of all primary and secondary schools of educational system of 
the country subject on disaster awareness and disaster mitigation. 
Such curricula shall include, among others, course 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 bill is earnestly sought 


14" CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
7 JlJN 30 P 2 54 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
SENATE 
RECEIVED BV :- 
S.B. N ~ .  170 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong ReviIIa, Jr. 
AN ACT 
FUCQUIRING TEE TEACHING OF DISASTER AWARENESS AND DISASTER 
MITIGATION AS PART OF THE CURXICULUM OF ALL PRIMARY AND 
SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in the PhilQpines in Congress 
assem bled: 
SECTION 1. Teaching of disaster awareness and disaster mitigation is hereby 
required to be part of the curriculum of all p r i m q  and secondary schools in the 
Philippines. 
SECTION 2. Intplertteitiing Rules and Regulations - The Department of 
Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) shall adopt'the necessary rules and regulations to 
implement the provision of this Act. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 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. 
SECTION 5. ESfectivity 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,