THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
,ut_ 26 /\ 9 ’P 
d 
First Regular Session 
) 
i I ECk WED ov ’ 
-,*e 
S E N A T E  
1469 
S. B. No. 
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 enters the PhiiiQQineS causing 
damage and unnecessary loss of lives. Flooding due to typhoons causes chronic 
problems in major cities as a result of inadequate drainage systems. 
In response to the need to minimize loss of life, property damage and socio- 
economic 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 earnest1 
MANUEL “LITO” M. LAPID 
Senaforjr, 


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3 
- 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
First Regular Session 
) 
~~~~~i~~~ 
BY: 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
S E N A T E  
1469 
S. B. No. 
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. 


i. 
SEC. 4. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, proclamati,ons, 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 
uncAmstitutional, 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,