On May 16-20, 2016, one hundred two (102) participants underwent the 5-day Training-Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction Education (DRRE) for Promotion Schools spearheaded by SEEDS Asia in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Region VII and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at Hagnaya Beach Resort and Restaurant, San Remigio, Cebu. Participants were selected teachers from the seven (7) DRR Education Promotion Schools, and Chiefs of Curriculum Implementation Division and Division DRRM Focal Person of the concerned Schools Division Offices (SDOs) of: (1) Cebu City Central Elementary School (DepEd Cebu City Division); (2) Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School (DepEd Mandaue City Division); (3) Buaya Elementary School (DepEd Lapu-Lapu City Division); (4) Tanke Elementary School (DepEd Talisay City Division); (5) Carcar Central Elementary School (DepEd Carcar City Division); (6) Balirong Elementary School (DepEd Naga City Division); and, (7) Talavera Elementary School (DepEd Toledo City Division). Adding to the list are two (2) representatives from DepEd Central Office that observed the proceedings of the Training-Workshop.

     The Opening Program was graced by the presence of Regional Director of DepEd Region VII, Dr. Juliet A. Jeruta who gave words of inspiration and urged participants to be vigilant and efficient in the implementation of the Project. Following the Opening Program were series of sessions on Knowledge Building presented by invited resource speakers and experts from Government Agencies who shared on the mechanisms of various hazards, early warning system and preparedness measures.  Among the speakers were Mr. Robinson F. Jorgio, OIC of Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Region VII, who discussed on Mechanisms, Early Warning System and Preparedness Measures of Geologic Hazards; SFO4 Antonio S. Godinez and FO3 Michel A. Hiyas from Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) of San Remigio, who shared on the Mechanisms, Prevention and Preparedness Measures for Fire Hazard including How to Use Fire Extinguisher; and, Mr. Alfredo F. Quiblat Jr., OIC of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Region VII, who lectured on Mechanisms, Early Warning System and Preparedness Measures of Weather-related Hazards. Knowledge Building also included discussions on DepEd DRRM Framework and DepEd Orders related to DRR Education which were presented by Mr. Byrone B. Fabiosa, PDO II of Disaster Risk Reduction Management Services (DRRMS) of DepEd Central Office and Mr. Roland Villegas, Regional DRRM Focal Person of DepEd Region VII.

Moreover, sessions on the 21 DRR Education activities were facilitated by the eight (8) Core Team members composed of DepEd Officials from the DepEd Region VII Office; Divisions of Danao City, Bogo City and Cebu Province Division; selected teachers from each of the six (6) DRR Education Model Schools also coming from the aforementioned Divisions; Staff of Danao City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office; and, SEEDS Asia staff. Among the highlighted activities were: Firefighting Activity with the use of Fire Extinguisher; DRR Card/Board Game with Snakes and Ladders and Millionaire’s Game; Basic First Aid; School Walking and Town Watching Activity with Hazard Mapping; Evacuation Drill; Emergency Cooking; and DRR Sports Festival with Obstacle Course and Bucket Relay.

On the fifth day of the Training-Workshop, participants gained knowledge on how to integrate DRR Education into lessons through Instructional Plan (iPlan) Writing. Valuable inputs on DRR Education Goals and the use of DRR Education Integration Matrix as tool to guide the teachers in the integration were provided by Ms. Kathleen B. Almonte, Local Project Manager of SEEDS Asia-Cebu Project. On the other hand, the Processes in Preparing Quality iPlan was discussed in detail by Dr. Emiliano B. Elnar, Jr., Chief of Curriculum and Learning Management Division (CLMD) of DepEd Region VII. At the conclusion of the Training-Workshop, participants acquired the knowledge and skills on how to conduct practical and sound DRR practices and integrate DRR Education through lessons, direct application and iPlan Writing.