By: Roldan M. Pomilar
Majayjay Elementary School
Majayjay Sub-Office, SDO Laguna
Policies will not be effective unless it is practiced and made a culture by every member of the institution or the community. Every effort to ensure the safety of both learners and personnel of the school is integral to its success.
In view of the implementation of the 2022 Brigada Eskwela and the preparation of the face-to-face classes, a School Safety and Preparedness Guide consistent to DO 33, 2021 titled “Schools-Based Disaster Preparedness and Response Measures for Tropical Cyclones, Flooding, and Other Weather-Related Disturbances and Calamities” that aims to provide guidance to schools and education partners in ensuring safety and preparedness of our learners and personnel before, during and after emergencies.
Majayjay Elementary School is an institution with a combined population of more than 1, 500 learners, personnel, and partners working hand in hand to ensure learning takes place each day. MajES is headed by the hardworking and dynamic principal, Maricar A. Afuang, who also leads the DRRM team to ensure all disaster risk reduction management strategies and practices are well executed. Post assessments were also made to further increase the chance of promoting safe facilities for MajES learners and personnel as well.
MajES DRRM team has installed appropriate and available fire suppression, including fire extinguishers, water sources, and relevant indigenous materials. Regular consultation and training with the Bureau of Fire Majayjay are also key in maintaining safety against fire hazards. Cleaning and clearing of drainage to prevent clogging are also maintained. Drainage and canals were covered to prevent accidents and flooding. The necessary warnings were also installed around the school premises.
Mental health is also one of the areas given high priority, therefore, seminars and training on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support are provided for learners and teachers. DRRM Team oversees coordinating with experts who will share their valuable time and expertise to achieve the objectives of the organization.
Majayjay Elementary school promotes the active participation of all its stakeholders in the conduct of the Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill, Climate Change Adaptation activities such as clean-up drives, and tree planting, Fire Drill in coordination with BFP Majayjay, and Anti-Bullying campaign with PNP Majayjay.
According to Max Mayfield, “Preparation through education is less costly than learning through tragedy.”
