EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
S enate
iSQ icr of tbr ^ fc rr tn rp
*15 NOV-5 A9fl8
S E N A T E
RECEIVED BV;
S. No. 1140
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF DISASTER AWARENESS AND
DISASTER M ITIGATION AS PART OF THE CURRICULUM OF ALL 
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
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 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, 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 many of its citizens.1 The consequences of the same are the chronic problems
1 http://bagong.pagasa.dost.tJov.ph/climate/tropical-cvclone-information


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, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.
MA
:L "LIT O " M. LAPI[>
Senator 
^


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
Senate
of t|}r IkrcrrtAij)
*19 
NOV-5 A 9 fl8
S E N A T E
S. No. 1140
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
AN ACT
REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF DISASTER AWARENESS AND 
DISASTER M ITIG ATIO N AS PART OF THE CURRICULUM OF ALL 
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House o f Representatives o f the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Teaching of disaster mitigation is hereby required to be part of the 
curriculum of all primary and secondary schools in the Philippines.
SECTION 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). —  The Department of 
Education (DepEd) shall adopt the necessary rules and regulations to implement the 
provisions of this Act.
SECTION 3. Appropriations.— The funds needed for this purpose shall be taken 
from the appropriation 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.
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.


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SECTION 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,