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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
597 
) 
) 
) 
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 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 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. 
Senate 


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• 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
) 
) 
) 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITOESTRADA 
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). - The Department 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 (DEPED). 
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. 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, 
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