Analyzing the Risks Affecting the School-aged Children in Disaster-Prone Areas in the Province of Bukidnon

Abstract

The school-aged children are among the vulnerable sectors in society in times of natural as well as anthropogenic calamities. This study described the hazards, exposures, and vulnerabilities of elementary school learners in the disaster-prone areas in the Province of Bukidnon, Philippines. It determined the effects of disasters, particularly landslide and flood to the school-aged children in terms of their school performance.  It also ascertained the adaptive and capacity-building strategies of these learners during landslide and flood. Six schools located in disaster-prone areas were chosen as the locale of the study with 188 school-aged children, six principals, teachers, and parents as participants of the study. The study found that flash flood, unsafe school buildings, and excessive runoff waters in school grounds led to cancellation of classes and caused damages to infrastructures and school properties - which have implications for the performance of school children. Remediation and other alternative delivery modes helped learners cope with missed classes. Drills, lifesaving skills, and parents' support for technological gadgets like cell phones improved learners' adaptive capacities to prepare for disasters. However, the study found limited support for implementing disaster preparedness and mitigation activities for learners in rural areas. Promoting access, quality, and sustained DRRM activities for learners in these schools could enhance the adaptive capacities of learners and mitigate the risks and hazards, affecting them.