Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

H.B.No. 466

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

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 socioeconomic caused by
natural disaster preparedness prograg 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

A

JUAN EDGARBO “SONNY” M. ANGARA
Representati
Lone District, Province of Aurora



FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES _)
First Regular Session . )

460

H.B.No.

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

AN ACT REQUIRING THE TEACHING OF DISASTER AWARENESS AND DISASTER
MITIGATION AS PART OF THE CURICULUM OF ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
SCHOOLS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and 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 primq and secondary schools in the Philippines.

SEC. 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.

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. 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,