Fifteenth Congress of the Republic 
of the Philippines 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2503 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
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 many 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 program 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. 
RlMO~ BONG REVILLA, JR. 


Fifteenth Congress of the Repnblic 
of the Philippines 
First Regnlar Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2503 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
AN ACT 
REQUffiING 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 House of Representatives in 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. 
SECT10N 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The Department of Education 
(DepEd) shall adopt the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provision of this Act. 
SECTION 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 ofthis 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. 
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,