FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 1005 
) 
) 
) 
~ 
,. 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
, '" 
, " 
In the National Conference on National Disaster Mitigation, funded by the 
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (lDNDR), 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 Ii'es 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, approval of this bill is earnestly requested . 
.---~ 
MAg::U?~" M. LAPID 
Senator 
r 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
) 
) 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 1005 
1 0 
-8 i' i :",4 
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 curricuil:Jm 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, 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 Claf,lse. -
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,