Module 5 Lesson 1: Geographical Profile of the Philippines

Competencie 1. Discuss the geographical profile of the Philippines;

s 2. Identify the territorial limits of the Philippines; and
3. Explain the reason why the country is susceptible for disasters.

Discussion
Geographical Profile of the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago that comprises 7,641 islands with a total

land area of 300,000 square kilometers (115,831 sq mi). It is the world's 5th
largest island country. The eleven largest islands contain 95% of the total land
area. The largest of these islands is Luzon at about 105,000 square kilometers
(40,541 sq mi). The next largest island is Mindanao at about 95,000 square
kilometers (36,680 sq mi). The archipelago is around 800 kilometers (500 mi)
from the Asian mainland and is located between Taiwan and Borneo.
The Philippine archipelago is divided into three island groups: Luzon,
the Visayas, and Mindanao. The Luzon islands
includeitself, Palawan, Mindoro, Marinduque, Masbate, Romblon, Catanduanes, 
Batanes, and Polillo. The Visayas is the group of islands in the central
Philippines, the largest of which
are: Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Siquijor, Biliran, and Guimaras.
The Mindanao islands include Mindanao
itself, Dinagat, Siargao, Camiguin, Samal, plus the Sulu Archipelago, composed
primarily of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

Territorial limits of the Philippines

The Philippine archipelago lies in Southeast Asia in a position that has led
to itself becoming a cultural crossroads - a place where Malays, Hindus, Arabs,
Chinese, Spaniards, Americans, and others had interacted to forge a unique
cultural and racial blend. The archipelago numbers some 7,641 islands. The
Philippines occupies an area that stretches for 1,850 kilometers (1,150 mi) from
about the fifth to the twentieth parallels north latitude. The total land area is
300,000 square kilometers (115,831 sq mi). This makes it the 5th largest island
country in the world. Only approximately 1,000 of its islands are populated, and
fewer than one-half of these are larger than 2.5 square kilometers (1 sq mi).
Eleven islands make up 95 percent of the Philippine landmass, and two of these
— Luzon and Mindanao — measure 105,000 square kilometers (40,541 sq mi)
and 95,000 square kilometers (36,680 sq mi), respectively.
They, together with the cluster of islands in Visayas in between them,
represent the three principal regions of the archipelago that are identified by the
three stars on the Philippine flag. The Philippines is broken up in many islands
by the sea. This gives it the fifth longest coastline of 36,289 kilometers
(22,549 mi) in the world. The Exclusive economic zone of the Philippines covers
2,263,816 km2 (874,064 sq mi), 200 nautical miles (370 km) from its shores. Off
the coast of eastern Mindanao is the Philippine Trench, which descends to a
depth of 10,430 meters (34,220 ft).
The Philippines is part of a western Pacific arc system characterized by
active volcanoes. Among the most notable peaks are Mount Mayon near Legazpi
City, Taal Volcano south of Manila, and Mount Apo in Mindanao. All of the
Philippine islands are prone to earthquakes. The northern Luzon highlands, or
Cordillera Central, rise to between 2,500 meters (8,200 ft) and 2,750 meters
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(9,020 ft), and, together with the Sierra Madre in the northeastern portion of
Luzon and the mountains of Mindanao, boast rain forests that provide refuge for
numerous upland tribal groups. The rain forests also offer prime habitat for
more than 500 species of birds, including the Philippine eagle (or monkey-eating
eagle), some 1,100 species of orchids, and some 8,500 species of flowering
plants.
The country's most extensive river systems are the Pulangi River, which
flows into the Mindanao River (Rio Grande de Mindanao); the Agusan, in
Mindanao which flows north into the Mindanao Sea; the Cagayan in northern
Luzon; and the Pampanga, which flows south from east Central Luzon
into Manila Bay. Laguna de Bay, east of Manila Bay, is the largest freshwater
lake in the Philippines. Several rivers have been harnessed for hydroelectric
power. To protect the country's biological resources, the government has taken a
first step of preparing a Biodiversity Action Plan to address conservation of
threatened species.
Most of the islands used to be covered by tropical rainforests.
However, illegal logging has reduced forest cover to less than 10% of the total
land area.

Geology
The islands are volcanic in origin, being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire,
and are mostly mountainous. The highest point in the country is the peak
of Mount Apo in Mindanao, which is 2,954 meters (9,692 ft) above sea level. The
second highest point can be found on Luzon at Mount Pulag, a peak 2,842
meters (9,324 ft) above sea level.
The  Philippine Archipelago is geologically part of the Philippine Mobile
Belt located between the Philippine Sea Plate, the South China Sea Basin of
the Eurasian Plate, and the Sunda Plate. The Philippine Trench (also called the
Mindanao Trench) is a submarine trench 1,320 kilometers (820 mi) in length
found directly east of the Philippine Mobile Belt and is the result of a collision of
tectonic plates.
The Philippine Sea Plate is  subducting under the Philippine Mobile Belt
at the rate of about 16 centimeters (6.3 in) per year. Its deepest point, the
Galathea Depth, has a depth of 10,540 meters (34,580 ft). The Philippine Fault
System consists of a series of seismic faults that produce
several earthquakes per year, most of which are not felt.
Many volcanoes in the country are active.  Mount Pinatubo is
notorious for its destructive VEI-6 eruption on June 15, 1991. Taal Volcano, one
of the Decade Volcanoes, had a VEI-3.7 eruption on January 12, 2020. Mount
Mayon is renowned for having an almost perfect cone, but has a violent history
of 47 eruptions since 1616 and its VEI-4 eruption on June 23, 1897 rained fire
for seven days.
Climate
The Philippines has a tropical climate dominated by a rainy season and a
dry season, although certain locations have no dry season (meaning, all months
have an average rainfall of above 60 mm) and certain higher-altitude areas can
have a subtropical climate. The summer monsoon brings heavy rains to most of
the archipelago from May to October, whereas the winter monsoon brings
relatively cooler and drier air from December to February. Manila and most of
the lowland areas are hot and dusty from March to May. Even at this time,
however, temperatures rarely rise above 37 °C (98.6 °F). Mean annual sea-level

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 temperatures rarely fall below 27 °C (80.6 °F). Annual rainfall measures as much
as 5,000 millimeters (196.9 in) in the mountainous east coast section of the
country, but less than 1,000 millimeters (39.4 in) in some of the sheltered
valleys.
Monsoon rains, although hard and drenching, are not normally
associated with high winds and waves. But the Philippines sit astride the
typhoon belt, and it suffers an annual onslaught of dangerous storms from July
through October. These are especially hazardous for northern and eastern Luzon
and the Bicol and Eastern Visayas regions, but Manila gets devastated
periodically as well.
In the last decade, the Philippines has been hit severely by natural
disasters. In 2005 alone, Central Luzon was hit by both a drought, which
sharply curtailed hydroelectric power, and by a typhoon that flooded practically
all of low-lying Manila's streets. Still more damaging was the 1990 earthquake
that devastated a wide area in Luzon, including Baguio and other northern
areas. The city of Cebu and nearby areas were struck by a typhoon that killed
more than a hundred people, sank vessels, destroyed part of the sugar crop, and
cut off water and electricity for several days. The Philippines is prone to about six
to nine storms which make landfall each year, on average. The 1991 Mount
Pinatubo eruption also damaged much of Central Luzon, the lahar burying
towns and farmland, and the ashes affecting global temperatures.
Building construction is undertaken with natural disasters in mind. Most
rural housing has consisted of nipa huts that are easily damaged but are
inexpensive and easy to replace. Most urban buildings are steel and concrete
structures designed (not always successfully) to resist both typhoons and
earthquakes. Damage is still significant, however, and many people are displaced
each year by typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. In 1987 alone
the Department of Social Welfare and Development helped 2.4 million victims of
natural disasters.

Territorial sea: irregular polygon extending up to 100 nautical miles (190 km;

120 mi) from coastline as defined by 1898 treaty; since late 1970s has also
claimed polygonal-shaped area in South China Sea up to 285 nautical miles
(528 km; 328 mi) in breadth.

Natural hazards
The Philippines sit astride typhoon belt and are usually affected by 15 and
struck by five to six cyclonic storms per year; landslides; active volcanoes;
destructive earthquakes; tsunamis.
Environment - current issues

Uncontrolled deforestation in watershed areas; soil erosion; air and water

pollution in Manila; increasing pollution of coastal mangrove swamps which are
important fish breeding grounds; severe water pollution that caused the death of
one of the country's major rivers, though there are ongoing efforts at
resuscitation.[17]
Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013 caused major problems.
Enrichment Direction:
Activities
1. What are the boundaries of the Philippines?
2. Describe the earth surface of the country.
3. Give one reason why Philippines is considered typhoon belt?

Comprehensi Direction: Write the answer of the following:

on Check
1.The Philippines is composed of ______islands.
2.Total land area of ______ square kilometers.
3.The largest of these islands is Luzon at about _____ square kilometers.
4-5 Two tectonic plates

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 6. Mount Apo in Mindanao, which is _____ meters above sea level. 7.The second
highest point can be found on Luzon at Mount Pulag, a peak of _____ meters
above sea level.
8-10. Most active volcanoes.

LEARNING RUBRIC
Name of the Student: _______________________________
Date Submitted: ____________
Year &Section:_____________________________
Course:____________________

LEARNIN Exemplary Superior Satisfactor Needs

G y Improvement
EPISODE
S
Learning All tasks All or nearly all tasks were done with high quality Nearly all Fewer than
Activities were done tasks were half of the
with done with tasks were
outstanding acceptable done; or most
quality; quality objectives
work were met but
exceeds need
4
expectation improvement
s 2
3
5
Assignme All tasks All tasks were accomplished completely; clear Tasks were Tasks were
nt were connection with theories, grammar and spelling not not
accomplish are superior accomplish accomplished;
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completely; completely; spelling are
in depth vaguely unsatisfactory
answers; 4 related to
thoroughly the
grounded theories;
on theories, grammar
with and spelling
exemplary are
grammar acceptable
and spelling 2
5

3
Assessme All There is one mistake committed Two Three
nt questions mistakes mistakes were
were 4 were committed
answered committed
with perfect
score
5 2
3
Submissio Submitted Submitted on the deadline Submitted a Submitted
n of before the day after two days or
Learning deadline the deadline more after the
Episodes deadline
4 2
3
5
COMMENTS Overall Rating
score (Based on
_________________________________________________ transmutatio
______ n)

TRANSMUTATION OF SCORE TO GRADE/RATING

Score 20 19-18 17 16 15 14 13-12 11 10 9-8 7 below
Grade 1.0 1.25 1.5 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.5 5.00
99 96 93 90 87 84 81 78 75 72 71-below

_________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF INSTRUCTOR ABOVE PRINTED NAME

DATE

References Labuguen, Florida C. et.al., Towards a Responsive Community Action, Malabon

4
 City, Muty Publishing House, Inc., 2008
Lee, Sergio J., National Service Training Program, Quezon City, Philippines: C &
E Publishing, Inc.,2007
Maxwell, John C. Be all you can be! Mandaluyong City: Christian Group
Ministries , 2002
Sanchez, Marlo. Be smart! Start & manage your own business. 2000
Santos, Amparo E., Personality for Today’s Young Professional, Navotas City:
Navotas Press 2009

Module 5 Lesson 2: Disaster Risk Profile of the Philippines

Competencies 1. Describe the disaster risk profile of the country;
2.Identify the location and geographical context of the country as the risk portion;
3. Explain some economic impact of disasters; and

Discussion
Disaster Risk Profile of the Philippines

Population

2018 Climate Risk Index – Rank 176 / Low Risk*

INFORM Risk Index – Rank 75 /
Medium Risk** Total Population 104.9 million Urban Population 53.7 million
(51.2%) Population Density Per Km2 337

Economic Indicators

Gross Domestic Product in Current $US 313.6 billion GDP Per Capita ($US)
2988.95

Climate Risk Index of 2019

Analyses the extent to which countries have been affected by weather related
losses between 1998-2017 (GermanWatch, 2019). However, it should be noted
that the CRI may not provide an accurate presentation of the future risk due to
the fact that it measures data of past events (which may not always be available
depending on the country). Thus, for example in the case of Philippines, low CRI
score does not necessarily indicate low climate risk in the future. ** INFORM risk
index is a global tool which measures the risk of humanitarian crises and
disasters based on 50 indicators assessing hazards, vulnerability and capacity
(resources available to mitigate the impact) (INFORM, 2019) GDP Growth (Annual
%) 6.7

Human Development

Index 0.699 HDI Rank 113 Income Level Category Lower-Middle income.
Philippines is an archipelago state, consisting of some 7,100 islands and islets,
and covering a land area of approximately 300,000 km2. The country comprises
three groups or large islands:
(1) the Luzon group in the north and west, consisting of Luzon, Mindoro, and
Palawan,
(2) the Visaya group in the centre, consisting of Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Masbate,
Negros, Panay and Samar, and
(3) Mindanao in the South. Manila and nearby Quezon City, the country’s most-
populous cities, are part of the National Capital Region (NRC or Metro Manila),
located on the largest island Luzon (Cullinane, 2019).
The islands and groups are divided into four main classes of administrative
divisions, which consist of 17 autonomous regions, 81 provinces, 1,489
municipalities, and the smallest political units, 42,044 Barangays as of 2018 (PSA,
2018).

In terms of disaster risk, Philippines ranked third among all of the countries with

5
the highest risks worldwide according to the World Risk Report 2018, with index
value of 25.14% (World Economic Forum, 2018). At least 60% of the country’s
total land area is exposed to multiple hazards, and 74% of the population is
susceptible to their impact (GFDRR, 2017).

This is largely due to the location and geographical context as the risk involving
coastal hazards such as typhoons, storm surges and rising sea levels is high. Also,
as the islands are located within the “Ring of Fire” between the Eurasian and
Pacific tectonic plates, earthquakes and volcanoes are posing serious risks to the
safety of the populace.

Flooding, landslides, droughts and tsunamis further contribute to the exposure to

natural hazards (CFE-DM, 2018). Of these, hydro-meteorological events including
typhoons and floods, accounted for over 80% of the natural disasters in the
country during the last half-century (Jha, 2018). Given the local ecologies,
agriculture, mining, forestry, fishing and services are major sources of people’s
livelihoods. In 2019, employment rate was reported at 94.8 % (PSA, 2019), and out
of the three key sectors of employment (industry, agriculture and services),
workers in service providing comprised the largest proportion of the employed
population (PSA, 2018)

1.1 Demographic Characteristics

The Philippines population has reached more than 100 million, according to the
2015 Population Census (PSA, 2015). 57% of the population resided in Luzon,
23% in the Visayas, and 20% in Mindanao, and in total, 51.2% of the overall
population lived in urban regions (PSA B, 2019). The population density in the
urban regions is 60 times higher (20 785 persons/km2 ) than the national average
of 337 according to the 2015 census (figure 1). A number of ethnic groups and
cultures are found throughout the islands. Indigenous peoples constitute
approximately 10–15% of the total population of the Philippines and are present in
65 of the country’s 78 provinces (Cariño, 2012). The dominant ethnic groups
include the Tagalog (28%), Cebuano (13%), Ilocano (9%), Bisaya (7.6%), Ilonggo
Disaster Risk Reduction in the Philippines Pages // 7 (7.5%), and Bikol (6)% (PSA,
2010), along with numerous other minorities and indigenous peoples who inhabit
the islands across the archipelago. The majority of indigenous peoples (61%) are
found in Mindanao, 33% are found in Luzon, and 6% n the Visayas (National
Commission on Indigenous Peoples, referenced in Cariño, 2012)

1.2 Economic Impact of Disasters

Since 1990, the Philippines has been affected by 565 disaster events which have
caused an estimated $US 23 billion in damages (Jha, 2018). Approximately 85.2%
of the sources of the country’s production have been reported to be susceptible to
disasters, and 50.3% of the total land area is considered to be economically at risk
(ADB, 2012). Much of the damage has been resulting from recurrent, massive-
scale super typhoons, including Ondoy and Pepeng in 2009, Washi in 2011,
Bopha in 2012, Haiyan in 2013, Koppu in 2015, Haima in 2016, and Mangkhut in
2018. Much of the country’s exports and trade income have relied on resource-
extractive industry (Martinico-Perez, et al., 2018), which further create
implications in terms of disaster vulnerability and sustainable economic growth.
Large-scale and recurrent disasters have had long-term implications on the
country’s economy. The estimated multi-hazard annual losses are close to US$ 8
million, which is equivalent to 69% of the country’s social expenditure (Alcayna, et
al., 2016).

One of the most severe disasters to directly hit the Philippines in the recent history
is the typhoon Haiyan in 2013. It affected an estimated 16 million people,
destroyed more than 1.1 million houses and affected hundreds of thousands of
hectares of crops across 41 provinces (FAO, 2018). Overall damage to agricultural
sector amounted to $US 1,4 billion, 74% of which was borne by the crops sector
(FAO, 2018). The fishing sector carried 20% (approximately 280 million) of the
total losses of $US 9.6 billion in the form of destroyed boats and other assets
(FAO, 2018). Such impacts had far-reaching economic consequences due to

6
 lessened future production, which in turn decreased the annual GDP by 0.9%
following the event (Bowen, 2015).

However, it has been suggested that the greatest losses are not due to the impact
on agriculture; large-scale typhoons have impaired the GDP growth due to
disrupted electricity production infrastructure, affecting the output of industry,
manufacturing and services in the long term (Ang, 2014).

According to a government official, the typhoon season costs approximately 2% of

the country’s yearly GDP on average, and another 2% is consumed by the recovery
activities – a recurrent disaster trap which hinders overall economic development
(Vidal, 2013). Currently, the industrial growth is lacking behind many other
countries in the Southeast Asia, despite the great expectations for future – it was
predicted that the country would experience growth comparable to the top
performing neighbors in the region, including Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia
(Tolo, 2011).

While reasons behind the hindered growth have been sourced to collateral
damages from the Asian Economic Crisis (Montes, 1998) and significant external
debt (Akram, 2015), frequent disasters have been considered as a major obstacle
to sustained, longterm economic growth (Benson & Clay, 2004; Alano & Lee, 2016;
Alave, 2012; Kim, 2010; Popp, 2006). The “lost growth” between 1970-2010 has
been estimated as high as 7.3% of GDP per capita (Alano & Lee, 2016).

When it comes to education, children regularly lose school days and suffer the
compounding negative effects on their schooling during disasters; schools are
often used as evacuation centers, buildings are damaged, teaching materials are
lost or damaged, schedules are disrupted (Save the Children, 2016) and returning
to schooling might be impossible for children from low-income backgrounds. This
has even longerterm cascading impacts as lack of educational background may
foretell increased vulnerability in the future (Hoffman & Muttarak, 2017).

Country Risk Reduction Profile: Disaster Risk Reduction in the Philippines

Due to its geographical location, the Philippines is exposed to high incidents of

hazards such as typhoons, floods, storm surges, floods, tsunamis, earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, landslides and droughts. This, combined with poverty, leaves
various communities throughout the Philippines in highly vulnerable situations.
Over the past 4 years Save the Children has implemented approximately 10
programmers with over 3 million USD funding for DRR activities. Collectively the
programs have reached 40,000 children directly and 75,000 children indirectly.
Save the Children’s DRR programmers aim to reduce vulnerabilities of children
and communities by building their resilience and coping mechanisms to natural
hazards through multi-sectoral partnerships.
Enrichment Direction: Answer the following using a graphic organizer.
Activities
1. Explain some economic impact of disaster; and
2. Describe or illustrate the situation of the country during disaster.

Comprehensio Direction: Give the answer of the following:

7
n Check
1-2 Location and geographical context of the country as the risk portion
3-4 High incidents of hazards
5-7 Describe the demography of the country.
8-10 What happen to the different schools during disaster?
TRANSMUTATION OF SCORE TO GRADE/RATING
Score 20 19-18 17 16 15 14 13-12 11 10 9-8 7 below
Grade 1.0 1.25 1.5 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.5 5.00
99 96 93 90 87 84 81 78 75 72 71-below

_________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF INSTRUCTOR ABOVE PRINTED NAME

DATE

References Labuguen, Florida C. et.al., Towards a Responsive Community Action, Malabon

City, Muty Publishing House, Inc., 2008
Lee, Sergio J., National Service Training Program, Quezon City, Philippines: C & E
Publishing, Inc.,2007
Maxwell, John C. Be all you can be! Mandaluyong City: Christian Group Ministries
, 2002
Sanchez, Marlo. Be smart! Start & manage your own business. 2000
Santos, Amparo E., Personality for Today’s Young Professional, Navotas City:
Navotas Press 2009

8
Module 5 Lesson 3: Overview of Philippine Disaster Management System
Competencies 1.Explain the Philippine Disaster Management System;
2.Identify the four thematic areas of disaster; and
3. Enumerate inter-agency task force mobilized during disaster
Discussion
The Philippines has a high vulnerability to natural hazards which are attributed
to the nation’s geographic position in Southeast Asia. Natural disasters such as
typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and fires affect the
country. Volcanic eruptions and tsunamis are related to the continental plate
activity around “the Ring of Fire”. Because it is one of the most geologically active
areas, it is nicknamed “The Ring of Fire”. This is a circular arm of active
volcanoes that surrounds the Pacific Ocean basin. This area in the Pacific Ocean
covers nearly 25,000 miles from the southern tip of South America, to the west
coast of North America, across the Bering Strait, through Japan, and into New
Zealand.

In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan (also known as Typhoon Yolanda), one of the deadliest
disasters to strike the Philippines, affected 26 million people and claimed at least
8,000 lives. Rising sea levels are also a direct threat to approximately 70 percent
of the Philippine population, which has forced many to relocate as a result. In
addition, climate change has also increased the severity and frequency of natural
disasters in the country.

The agricultural tradition and rapid development in some areas of the country
leave large portions of the population and the economy vulnerable to natural
hazards. Apart from the metropolitan regions, the agricultural workers and
fishermen are the most affected population by natural disasters. Approximately
one-third of the Philippines total population are employed in the agriculture
sector and natural disasters pose significant threats to this population’s food
security and sources of income.

The Philippine Government, International Non-government Organizations (INGOs)

and local NGOs are all making attempts to address the impact of disasters and
climate change at various levels. The Philippine Government has made significant
strides in the implementation of disaster risk reduction (DRR) planning and
activities through the development of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council (NDRRMC) which acts as the lead agency for DRR in the
Philippines. The disaster focal points are the NDRRMC and the Office of Civil
Defence (OCD). The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is
responsible for leading immediate disaster relief efforts.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is a primary responder in disasters and
have been deployed frequently to several disaster relief operations in the country
in recent years. The Philippines has endured disasters that involve national and
international assistance.

There is increased awareness on disaster risk reduction in the Philippines, but

proper integration with climate change adaptation and sustainable development
policies can be improved. Disaster risk reduction management and climate
change adaptation have been integrated in various plans and framework;
however, multiple plans can be overwhelming for local government units. The
Philippine Government has learned from Typhoon Haiyan that risk
communication is essential and through the NDRRMC has issued very specific
warnings regarding potential storm impacts as a result.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP) fulfills
the requirement of RA No. 10121 of 2010, which provides the legal basis for
policies, plans and programs to deal with disasters. The NDRRMP covers four
thematic areas, namely, (1) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; (2) Disaster
Preparedness; (3) Disaster Response; and (4) Disaster Rehabilitation and
Recovery, which correspond to the structure of the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

By law, the Office of Civil Defense formulates and implements the NDRRMP and
ensures that the physical framework, social, economic and environmental plans
9
of communities, cities, municipalities and provinces are consistent with such
plan. The NDRRMP is consistent with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Framework (NDRRMF), which serves as “the principal guide to
disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) efforts to the country….” The
Framework envisions a country of “safer, adaptive and disaster resilient Filipino
communities toward sustainable development.” It conveys a paradigm shift from
reactive to proactive DRRM wherein men and women have increased their
awareness and understanding of DRRM, with the end in view of increasing
people’s resilience and decreasing their vulnerabilities.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan 2011-2028

The NDRRMP sets down the expected outcomes, outputs, key activities,
indicators, lead agencies, implementing partners and timelines under each of the
four distinct yet mutually reinforcing thematic areas. The goals of each thematic
area lead to the attainment of the country’s overall DRRM vision, as graphic
cally shown below.

The NDDRMP goals are to be achieved by 2028 through 14 objectives, 24

outcomes, 56 outputs, and 93 activities. The 24 outc with their respective overall
responsible agencies, are summarized BELOW.

Thematic Area 1:

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Overall responsible agency: Department of

Science and Technology (DOST) Outcome Lead agency(ies)
1. DRRM and CCA mainstreamed and integrated in national, sectoral, regional
and local development policies, plans and budget Office of Civil Defense (OCD)
2. DRRM and CCA-sensitive environmental management Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
3. Increased resiliency of infrastructure systems Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH)
4. Enhanced and effective community-based scientific DRRM and CCA
assessment, mapping, analysis and monitoring OCD
5. Communities access to effective and applicable disaster risk financing and
insurance Department of Finance (DOF)
6. End-to=end monitoring (monitoring and response), forecasting and early
warning systems are established and/or improved Department of Science and
Technology (DOST)

Thematic Area 2:

Disaster Preparedness Overall responsible agency: Department of Interior and

Local Government (DILG) Outcome Lead agency(ies)
7. Increased level of awareness and enhanced capacity of the community to the
threats and impacts of all hazards Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
8. Communities are equipped with necessary skills and capability to cope with the
impacts of disasters Department of Interior and Local Government (to coordinate)
and OCD (to implement)
9. Increased DRRM and CCA capacity of Local DRRM Councils,Offices and
Operation Centers at all levels DILG
10. Developed and implemented comprehensive national and local preparedness
and response policies, plans, and systems DILG and OCD 11. Strengthened
partnership and coordination among all key players and stakeholders DILG

Thematic Area 3:

Disaster Response Overall responsible agency: Department of Social Welfare and

Development (DSWD) Outcome Lead agency(ies)

12. Well-established disaster response operations Department of Social Welfare

and Development (DSWD)
13. Adequate and prompt assessment of needs and damages at all levels Disaster
Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs), OCD and DSWD

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 14. Integrated and coordinated Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) capacity
Department of National Defense (DND), DILG, Department of Health (DOH)
15. Safe and timely evacuation of affected communities Local government units
(LGUs)
16. Temporary shelter needs adequately addressed DSWD
17. Basic social services provided to affected population (whether inside or
outside evacuation centers) DOH
18. Psychosocial needs of directly and indirectly affected population addressed
DOH
19. Coordinated, integrated system for early recovery implemented DSWD

Thematic Area 4:

Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery Overall responsible agency: National

Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Outcome Lead agency(ies)
20. Damages, losses and needs assessed OCD
21. Economic activities restored, and if possible strengthened or expanded Agency
to be determined based on the affected sectors
22. Houses rebuilt or repaired to be more resilient to hazard events; safer sites for
housing National Housing Authority (NHA)
23. Disaster and climate change-resilient infrastructure
constructed/reconstructed DPWH
24. A psychologically sound, safe and secure citizenry that is protected from the
effects of disasters is able to restore to normal functioning after each disaster
DOH and DSWD The NDRRMP is a road map on how DRRM shall contribute to
gender-responsive and rights-based sustainable development.

Highlights include:
 The need for institutionalizing DRRM policies, structures, coordination
mechanisms and programs with continuing budget appropriation on DRR from
national down to local levels. Thus, several activities will strengthen the capacity
of the personnel of national government and the local government units (LGUs)
and partner stakeholders, build the disaster resilience of communities and
institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risks, including
climate risks.
 The importance of mainstreaming DRRM and CCA in the development processes
such as policy formulation, socio-econoimc development planning, budgeting and
governance, particularly in the area of environment, agriculture, water, energy,
health, education, poverty reduction, land-use and urban planning and public
infrastructure and housing, among others. This is achieved through activities
such as development of common tools to analyze the various hazards and
vulnerability factors which put communities and people in harms way. 
Competency and science-based capacity building activities alongside the
nurturing of continuous learning through knowledge development and
management of good DRRM practices on the ground.
 The inclusion of human-induced disasters that result in internally displaced
persons, public anxiety, loss of lives, destruction of property and sometimes
socio-political stability. Encompassing conflict resolution approaches, the plan
seeks to mainstream DRRM into the peace process.

The NDRRMP is guided by good governance principles within the context of

poverty alleviation and environmental protection. It is about partnerships towards
effective delivery of services to the citizenry, i.e. working together through
complementation of resources. Thus, harnessing and mobilizing the participation
of civil society organizations (CSOs), the private sector and volunteers in the
government’s DRRM programs and projects is part and parcel of the plan. Efforts
were made to align the NDRRMP with national plans such as the Philippine
Development Plan, National Climate Change Action Plan, and National Security
Policy such that DRRM activities are integrated with budget allocation by relevant
government line agencies.
Enrichment Direction: Answer the following using a graphic organizer.
Activities
1.Identify the four thematic areas of disaster.
2.What are some organizations task to assist during disaster? (5)
11
Comprehensio Direction: Give what is asked on the following:
n Check 1.Differentiate the functions of the 4 areas in disaster.
2.Focal agency of the four areas.
3.Enumerate the function of barangay disaster team in your barangay.
TRANSMUTATION OF SCORE TO GRADE/RATING
Score 20 19-18 17 16 15 14 13-12 11 10 9-8 7 below
Grade 1.0 1.25 1.5 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.5 5.00
99 96 93 90 87 84 81 78 75 72 71-below

_________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF INSTRUCTOR ABOVE PRINTED NAME

DATE

References Labuguen, Florida C. et.al., Towards a Responsive Community Action, Malabon

City, Muty Publishing House, Inc., 2008
Lee, Sergio J., National Service Training Program, Quezon City, Philippines: C & E
Publishing, Inc.,2007
Maxwell, John C. Be all you can be! Mandaluyong City: Christian Group
Ministries , 2002
Sanchez, Marlo. Be smart! Start & manage your own business. 2000
Santos, Amparo E., Personality for Today’s Young Professional, Navotas City:
Navotas Press 2009

12
Module 5 Lesson 4: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Concepts, Principles and
Trends
Competencies 1.Explain RA 10121;
2.Enumerate the functions of the NDRRMC; and
3.Identify the effect of integrating disaster in education
Discussion Republic act no. 10121 an act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management system, providing for the national disaster risk
reduction and management framework and institutionalizing the national
disaster risk reduction and management plan, appropriating funds therefor and
for other purposes.

Section 4. Scope. – This Act provides for the development of policies and plans
and the implementation of actions and measures pertaining to all aspects of
disaster risk reduction and management, including good governance, risk
assessment and early warning, knowledge building and awareness raising,
reducing underlying risk factors, and preparedness for effective response and
early recovery.

Section 5. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. – The

present National Disaster Coordinating Council or NDCC shall henceforth be
known as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council,
hereinafter referred to as the NDRRMC or the National Council.

The National Council shall be headed by the Secretary of the Department of

National Defense (DND) as Chairperson with the Secretary of the Department of
the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as Vice Chairperson for Disaster
Preparedness, the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) as Vice Chairperson for Disaster Response, the Secretary
of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as Vice Chairperson for
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and the Director-General of the National
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) as Vice Chairperson for Disaster
Rehabilitation and Recovery.

The National Council’s members shall be the following: Secretary of the

Department of Health, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Department of Energy,
Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of
Transportation and Communications, Department of Budget and Management,
Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Foreign Affairs,
Department of Justice, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of
Tourism, The Executive Secretary, Secretary of the Office of the Presidential
Adviser on the Peace Process, Chairman, Commission on Higher Education,
Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Chief, Philippine National Police,
The Press Secretary, Secretary General of the Philippine National Red Cross,
Commissioner of the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Victims of Disasters
and Calamities Sector, Chairperson, National Commission on the Role of
Filipino Women, Chairperson, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating
Council, Executive Director of the Climate Change Office of the Climate Change
Commission, President, Government Service Insurance System.

Section 6. Powers and Functions of the NDRRMC. – The National Council, being
empowered with policy-making, coordination, integration, supervision,
monitoring and evaluation functions, shall have the following responsibilities:

(a) Develop a NDRRMF which shall provide for a comprehensive, all-hazards,

multisectoral, inter-agency and community-based approach to disaster risk
reduction and management. The Framework shall serve as the principal guide
to disaster risk reduction and management efforts in the country and shall be
reviewed on a five(5)-year interval, or as may be deemed necessary, in order to
ensure its relevance to the times;

(b) Ensure that the NDRRMP is consistent with the NDRRMF;

13
(c) Advise the President on the status of disaster preparedness, prevention,
mitigation, response and rehabilitation operations being undertaken by the
government, CSOs, private sector, and volunteers; recommend to the President
the declaration of a state of calamity in areas extensively damaged; and submit
proposals to restore normalcy in the affected areas, to include calamity fund
allocation;

(d) Ensure a multi-stakeholder participation in the development, updating, and

sharing of a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Information System and
Geographic Information System-based national risk map as policy, planning and
decision-making tools;

(e) Establish a national early warning and emergency alert system to provide
accurate and timely advice to national or local emergency response
organizations and to the general public through diverse mass media to include
digital and analog broadcast, cable, satellite television and radio, wireless
communications, and landline communications;

(f) Develop appropriate risk transfer mechanisms that shall guarantee social and
economic protection and increase resiliency in the face of disaster;

(g) Monitor the development and enforcement by agencies and organizations of

the various laws, guidelines, codes or technical standards required by this Act;

(h) Manage and mobilize resources for disaster risk reduction and management
including the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund;

(i) Monitor and provide the necessary guidelines and procedures. on the Local
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) releases as well as
utilization, accounting and auditing thereof;

(j) Develop assessment tools on the existing and potential hazards and risks
brought about by climate change to vulnerable areas and ecosystems in
coordination with the Climate Change Commission;

(k) Develop vertical and horizontal coordination mechanisms for a more

coherent implementation of disaster risk reduction and management policies
and programs by sectoral agencies and LGUs;

(l) Formulate a national institutional capability building program for disaster

risk reduction and management to address the specific’ weaknesses of various
government agencies and LGUs, based on the results of a biennial baseline
assessment and studies;

(m) Formulate, harmonize, and translate into policies a national agenda for
research and technology development on disaster risk reduction and
management;

(n) In coordination with the Climate Change Commission, formulate and

implement a framework for climate change adaptation and disaster risk
reduction and management from which all policies, programs, and projects shall
be based;

(o) Constitute a technical management group composed of representatives of the

abovementioned departments, offices, and organizations, that shall coordinate
and meet as often as necessary to effectively manage and sustain national
efforts on disaster risk reduction and management;

(p) Task the OCD to conduct periodic assessment and performance monitoring
of the member-agencies of the NDRRMC, and the Regional Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Councils (RDRRMCs), as defined in the NDRRMP;
and

14
 (q) Coordinate or oversee the Implementation of the country’s obligations with
disaster management treaties to which it IS a party and see to It that the
country’s disaster management treaty obligations be incorporated in its disaster
risk reduction and management frameworks, policies, plans, programs and
projects.

Section 13. Accreditation, Mobilization, and Protection of Disaster Volunteers

and National Service Reserve Corps, CSOs and the Private Sector. – The
government agencies, CSOs, private sector and LGUs may mobilize individuals
or organized volunteers to augment their respective personnel complement and
logistical requirements in the delivery of disaster risk reduction programs and
activities. The agencies, CSOs, private sector, and LGUs concerned shall take
full responsibility for the enhancement, welfare and protection of volunteers,
and shall submit the list of volunteers to the OCD, through the LDRRMOs, for
accreditation and inclusion in the database of community disaster volunteers. A
national roster of ACDVs, National Service Reserve Corps, CSOs and the private
sector shall be maintained by the OCD through the LDRRMOs. Accreditation
shall be done at the municipal or city level. Mobilization of volunteers shall be in
accordance with the guidelines to be formulated by the NDRRMC consistent
with the provisions of this Act. Any volunteer who incurs death or injury while
engaged in any of the activities defined under this Act shall be entitled to
compensatory benefits and individual personnel accident insurance as may be
defined under the guidelines.

Section 14. Integration of Disaster Risk Reduction Education into the School
Curricula and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Program and Mandatory Training for
the Public Sector Employees. – The DepED, the CHED, the Technical Education
and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in coordination with the OCD, the
National Youth Commission (NYC), the DOST, the DENR, the DILG-BFP, the
DOH, the DSWD and other relevant agencies, shall integrate disaster risk
reduction and management education in the school curricula of secondary and
tertiary level of education, including the National Service Training Program
(NSTP), whether private or public, including formal and nonformal, technical
vocational, indigenous learning, and out-of-school youth courses and programs.
The NDRRMC, the RDRRMCs, the LDRRMCs, the LDRRMOs, the BDRRMCs and
the SK councils shall encourage community, specifically the youth, participation
in disaster risk reduction and management activities, such as organizing quick
response groups, particularly in identified disaster-prone areas, as well as the
inclusion of disaster risk reduction and management programs as part of the SK
programs and projects. The public sector employees shall be trained in
emergency response and preparedness. The training is mandatory for such
employees to comply with the provisions of this Act.
Enrichment Direction: Answer the following using a graphic organizer.
Activities
1.What is RA 10121?
2.Give the functions of the NDRRMC

Comprehensi Direction: Give what is asked on the following:

on Check 1.List some effects of having a knowledge on disaster.
2.List the plans and activities in your barangay about disaster.
3.Describe the involvement of SK in your barangay related to disaster.
TRANSMUTATION OF SCORE TO GRADE/RATING
Score 20 19-18 17 16 15 14 13-12 11 10 9-8 7 below
Grade 1.0 1.25 1.5 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.5 5.00
99 96 93 90 87 84 81 78 75 72 71-below

_________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF INSTRUCTOR ABOVE PRINTED NAME

DATE

References Labuguen, Florida C. et.al., Towards a Responsive Community Action, Malabon

15
City, Muty Publishing House, Inc., 2008
Lee, Sergio J., National Service Training Program, Quezon City, Philippines: C &
E Publishing, Inc.,2007
Maxwell, John C. Be all you can be! Mandaluyong City: Christian Group
Ministries , 2002
Sanchez, Marlo. Be smart! Start & manage your own business. 2000
Santos, Amparo E., Personality for Today’s Young Professional, Navotas City:
Navotas Press 2009

16
Module 5 Lesson 5: Role of the Youth in Disaster Preparedness and Management, Basic
Disaster Preparedness and Response Training
a. First Aid
b. Search and Rescue
Competencies 1.Exlpain the role of the youth in disaster;
2.Identify the aims and steps of first aid; and
3. Enumerate the types, classes, and causes of fire
Discussion The Youth’s Role in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Millions of children and youth usually represent more than one third of the
victims whenever disasters struck. Research have shown that youth trainings
focusing on disaster preparedness results in behavior changes, and that youth
who are prepared are more confident and empowered when an actual emergency
occurs.

Thus, engaging youth in disaster risk management training and activities can
increase their awareness and knowledge on what to do and how to act when
disasters occur, and may decrease the number of both youth and adult victims
and casualties.

Youth plays an important role in disaster risk reduction and management, and
here are what youth can do:

1.The youth has the energy to take immediate actions when emergencies occur.
2.When an actual disaster happen, the youths are the most capable in taking
immediate action during emergencies because they have the energy to do it.
3.The youths are incredibly resilient and creative. Youths are incredibly resilient.
They are able to cope up and adapt to changes. This allows them to overcome
difficulties in their lives, including calamities and disasters, and adapt with
diverse range of people.
4.The youths can also contribute ideas and actions during disasters. By involving
youth in disaster planning and management, they will be better equipped to
respond appropriately and calmly when confronted with an actual event.
5.The youth has the potential to become a better leader and initiate plans.

Involving young people in disaster management can help them learn topics that
affect their lives while at the same time gaining hands-on experience designed to
equip them become tomorrow better leaders and initiate plans.

First Aid/Basic Life Support

The importance of learning Basic Life Support (BLS)

Basic Life Support (BLS) is a level of medical care used in emergency, life-
threatening situations until the victim can be cared for professionally by a team of
paramedics or at a hospital. It can help people who are choking, drowning or are
suffering from cardiac arrest, and it can make the difference between life and
death for some people.

BLS is included in all first aid training courses, along with related life-saving

techniques and procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). As well
as for members of the emergency services, this sort of first aid training can be
particularly useful for people employed as teachers, daycare providers, health and
social care workers and even security personnel. At a very basic level, BSL
involves securing the proper circulation, airways and breathing of the patient to
keep them alive until an ambulance or other medical professional can arrive on
the scene.

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the most
common cause of death worldwide and account for about one-third of deaths. As
our population ages, the prevalence of these diseases is expected to
17
increase. This will help prepare participants to handle these events and
other life-threatening incidents. The Basic Life Support (BLS): CPR and
First Aid provider program is designed to provide course participants with
foundational knowledge and teach skills needed to perform
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other lifesaving skills.

The first-aid component addresses additional circumstances and diseases that

may require intervention and assistance from emergency medical services (EMS).
Successful completion of the BLS: CPR and First Aid course includes
demonstration of skill competency and passing a knowledge assessment. Upon
completion, you will receive a provider card indicating that you have been trained
in basic life support (including CPR) and first-aid measures.

First Responder Roles and Responsibilities First aid is providing initial care for an
injury or illness. The three key aims of first aid are to
(1) preserve life,
(2) prevent the condition from worsening and
(3) promote recovery. Since emergency-response skills deteriorate with time,
retraining is required every two years to maintain BLS: CPR and

First Aid provider certification. In addition, regular practice is encouraged, when

possible, to retain skill proficiency. All skills performed in an emergency should
be within the scope of one’s training

Maintenance of tissue oxygen supply is vital for life, and establishing and keeping
an open airway is a critical first step when caring for an unconscious or
nonbreathing person. Airway obstruction impedes or prevents oxygen delivery to
our lungs, which then prevents delivery to our blood and subsequently to tissues.
When oxygen supplies are interrupted, our organs will suffer and eventually die.
Without oxygen, especially vulnerable tissues such as the brain may start dying
after 4-6 minutes. The need for immediate action is therefore crucial.

During BLS, rescuers provide and maintain oxygen supplies to victims by using
chest compressions to maintain blood circulation and ventilations to maintain
oxygen levels. Key steps in BLS include:

1.Check for responsiveness, and activate emergency medical services (EMS).

2.Quickly check for normal breathing.
3.If the patient is not breathing normally, provide chest compressions to
temporarily take over the function of the heart and circulate blood. 4.Open the
airway, and provide ventilations to deliver air to the lungs

The goal of CPR is not to restart the heart but to provide critical blood flow to the
heart and brain and to keep oxygenated blood circulating. CPR delays damage to
vital organs such as the brain and improves the chances of successful
defibrillation.

As a potential first responder, you have no legal obligation to provide medical

care. In some areas, however, you may have an obligation to notify authorities
that someone is in need of medical assistance. If you engage in basic life support,
be sure to provide care within your scope of training. Ask a patient for permission
before you provide care. This can be done by saying: “My name is _______, and I
am a first-aid provider. May I help you?” If responsive, the patient should give
permission before care is provided. Not asking for permission or forcing care
against a victim’s will exposes you to potential legal action for involuntary
assistance or battery. If a person is unresponsive, permission to provide medical
assistance is implied.

Immediate Recognition and Activation of EMS

Recognition of a medical problem should be followed by prompt action. Once

unresponsiveness is established, call EMS. By activating local EMS, the chance of
survival increases. Either call EMS yourself, or ask a bystander or other rescuer

18
to call EMS. If you are alone, EMS can be activated utilizing your cell phone on
speaker setting as you initiate CPR. This practice minimizes lost time and can
reduce any delays that otherwise may occur in starting CPR. If you are not alone,
have someone else activate EMS while you begin CPR. There are two scenarios
when the solo rescuer may consider initiating CPR prior to activating EMS:
• child or infant victim
• drowning victim
The use of a cell phone as just noted above to activate EMS while initiating CPR is
still recommended to expedite the arrival of advanced medical care.

If a cell phone is unavailable, the lone rescuer should perform two minutes of CPR
before calling for help. Since cardiac arrest is typically secondary to respiratory
arrest in these two groups, this slight alteration in procedural order is
recommended. Children and drowning victims may spontaneously recover if CPR
is initiated immediately.

Activating EMS and getting a defibrillator on scene as soon as possible provide

the best chance of reestablishing a life-sustaining heart rhythm. CPR should not
be delayed, however, if an AED is not immediately available. Regardless of who
calls EMS, the person relaying information to them should state
• caller's name
• number of patients
• exact location
• call-back phone number
• condition of the patient(s)
• what happened
• care provided

Do not hang up until the operator releases you. It is important to answer all
dispatcher questions to assure an appropriate response team and resources are
sent to the site. The operator may repeat critical information before ending the
call, which ensures that the message was received and key facts were conveyed. If
someone else calls EMS, be sure to have that person return to the scene after
making the call to verify that help is on the way. Remember, the sooner you make
the call, the sooner advanced life support will arrive.

Early CPR

Early CPR significantly improves the chance of survival. Chest compressions

temporarily take over the function of the heart, manually circulating blood in the
body. Ventilations deliver air to the lungs and ensure a supply of oxygen for the
body, especially for critical areas such as the heart and brain. Rapid Defibrillation
Rapid defibrillation is the single most important intervention in the case of an
unstable cardiac rhythm and provides the greatest chance of survival. CPR will
not restart the heart but may delay tissue damage associated with inadequate
oxygen supplies. Most cases of adult respiratory arrest are due to cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest often results from a non-life-sustaining rhythm known as
ventricular fibrillation (VF). This rhythm disturbance results in inadequate blood
flow to vital organs and is therefore life threatening. It is crucial to defibrillate a
person with suspected sudden cardiac arrest as soon as possible. Delays of as
little as 7-10 minutes greatly reduce the chance of survival.

Advanced Cardiac

Life Support CPR and defibrillation may not restore a normal cardiac rhythm. In
those cases, medical interventions such as advanced airway management and the
delivery of medications may increase resuscitation success. Should CPR and/or
defibrillation be successful, advanced life support will help stabilize the person
and make the patient ready for hospital transport. Remember: Advanced cardiac
life support will not arrive until local EMS is activated.

Post-Cardiac-Arrest Care

If a spontaneous heart rhythm resumes and effective circulation is restored, there

19
is still work to do. Maintain airway support, and continually monitor the patient
until help arrives. Unstable heart rhythms that lead to unconsciousness or death
may recur without warning. Emotional Stress and Fear of Doing Something
Wrong Helping others in need gives you a good feeling, but it might also create
emotional stress before, during and after the rescue. When a person has an
accident or is in sudden cardiac arrest, bystanders commonly wait for someone to
take charge and provide aid. Hesitation is often caused by:
• fear of doing something wrong, causing harm or not being able to bring back life
• fear of being sued
• fear of infection (The next section instructs how to avoid infection.)

Anxiety is a normal emotion for both the rescuer and patient during an
emergency. Some potential rescuers may avoid such situations to avoid making
mistakes or providing imperfect care. On the whole, providing some care (even if
not “perfect”) is a much more effective approach than providing no care at all. The
hard truth regarding cardiac arrest is that in most cases CPR, even when coupled
with advanced techniques, does not restart the heart or restore a life-sustaining
rhythm — even when performed perfectly. CPR increases the chances of survival
but does not guarantee it. Unsuccessful rescues may cause emotional distress.
Rescuers may blame themselves for not saving a life and/or think they did
something wrong. Some rescuers may benefit from a critical-incident debriefing or
professional counseling to help work through such concerns. A key point to
remember if you ever have to perform CPR is that a person in cardiac arrest (with
no signs of life) is in the worst possible condition. If no one initiates CPR, someone
in cardiac arrest is certain to die; you cannot make them any worse. CPR is a
critical link in the chain of survival.

Search and Rescue (Water, Earthquake, Landslide and

Fire)

Search and Rescue

Few developing countries have established the technical capacity to search for
and attend to victims trapped in confined spaces in the event of the collapse of
multistory buildings. Industrial nations routinely dispatch search and rescue
(SAR) teams. Costs are high and effectiveness is reduced by delayed arrival and
quickly diminishing returns.

Damage to Water and Sewage Systems

The primary goal of water and sewage systems is to safeguard the public health of
the population. For that reason, these systems are considered part of the health
infrastructure.
In severe flooding, the sudden interruption of these basic services coincides with
the direct effect on the transmission of waterborne or vectorborne diseases. In the
case of earthquakes, the number of people who are adversely affected by water
shortage may far exceed those injured or suffering direct material loss.
As in the case of health care facilities, the rehabilitation of public water systems is
slow, particularly for community-owned or community-operated rural systems,
which may not be repaired for decades. The foregoing demonstrates the need for
water authorities to harmonize their short-term objectives, which are oriented
almost exclusively to increasing the coverage of these services, with the long-term
objective of reducing vulnerability to extreme natural hazards.

Tsunamis
Earthquakes on the ocean floor may cause catastrophic tidal waves (tsunamis) on
faraway shores. Waves caused by the seismic event crest at less than a meter in
open seas, but they are travel several hundred kilometers per hour, so when they
reach shallow waters, they can be 10 meters high. Damage on the coast can be
extensive. Usually, the number of survivors presenting severe injuries is small in
proportion to the number of deaths.
Earthquakes
20
As noted by Buist and Bernstein (1986), in the past five centuries, earthquakes
caused more than 5 million deaths—20 times the number caused by volcanic
eruptions. In a matter of seconds or minutes, a large number of injuries (most of
which are not life-threatening) require immediate medical care from health
facilities, which are often unprepared, damaged, or totally destroyed.

Before an Earthquake Strikes

 Pick “safe places” in each room of your home.

 Practice “drop, cover and hold on” in each safe place.
 Build a kit.
 Make a plan.
 Get training.
 Discuss earthquakes with your family.

During an Earthquake

 Drop, cover and hold on!

 If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a
pillow.
 If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, street
lights and power lines.
 If you are in a vehicle, pull over to a clear location, stop and stay there with
your seatbelt fastened until the shaking has stopped.
 Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit.
 Stay away from windows. Windows can shatter with such force that you
can be injured from several feet away.
 In a multistory building, expect fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during
a quake.

After an Earthquake

 Check yourself for injuries.

 Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-
sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves.
 After you have taken care of yourself, help people who are injured or
trapped.
 Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards.
 Leave the gas ON at the main valve unless you smell gas or think it’s
leaking.
 Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids
immediately and carefully.
 Open closet and cabinet doors cautiously.
 Inspect your home for damage.
 Help neighbors who may require special assistance.
 Listen to a portable, battery-operated radio or television for updated
emergency information and instructions.
 Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel an aftershock, drop, cover, and hold
on!

Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of

combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products.

Classes of fire
 Class A - fires involving solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles.
 Class B - fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, diesel or oils.
 Class C - fires involving gases.
 Class D - fires involving metals.
 Class E - fires involving live electrical apparatus. (Technically ‘Class E’
doesn’t exists however this is used for convenience here)

21
  Class F - fires involving cooking oils such as in deep-fat fryers.

Types of extinguishers

Common Causes of House Fires and How to Prevent Them

An accidental fire can ignite with frightening unpredictability, spread

uncontrollably in seconds, and can decimate a home within minutes.

House fires endanger everyone in the home and even small fires that are put out
quickly often result in thousands of dollars of damage. Having a proper insurance
policy is essential to help mitigate the financial losses associated with a house fire,
but it is far better to prevent the circumstances that lead to fires in the first place.

Cooking-Related Fires

Cooking fires are among the most common types of house fires, causing
around 48 percent of all residential fires. They are very often caused by greases
that become overheated on a stove or in an oven.

Portable cooking appliances, such as toasters and electric griddles can also be a
source of fires. Never leave these portable appliances unsupervised, and make
sure they are cool to the touch before storing them away.

Heating Appliances

Home space heaters and baseboard heaters can cause fire when fabrics and other
combustibles are left too close to them. Heating appliances of various types are
the second leading cause of residential fires, responsible for approximately 15
percent of all home fires.

Electrical Fires

Various types of electrical faults in home wiring cause about 51,000 fires each
year, accounting for nearly 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and about $1.3 billion in
property damage.

Smoking

Smoking is hazardous to your health in many ways—including the potential for

igniting fires from cigarette butts dropped on carpeting, furniture, or other
flammable materials. Fires from cigarettes and smoking materials cause nearly
1,000 deaths and 3,000 injuries each year.
Enrichment Direction: Answer the following using a graphic organizer.
Activities 1.Why is it that the youth play a significant role in disaster?
2. If you will conduct first aid, what are the procedure?
3. Where does fire begins?
Comprehensio Direction: Read the following statement. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
n Check 1.The goal of CPR (without defibrillation) is to maintain adequate circulation of
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 oxygenated blood to vital organs such as the
a. spleen and pancreas
b. stomach and kidney
c. heart and brain
d. liver and muscles
2. Exhaled air contains about 10% oxygen. a. True b. False
3. To avoid legal problems, always ask a patient for _____________ before you
provide first aid. This may be done by stating: ____________________________
a. permission; “My name is… I am a first- aid provider. May I help you?” b.
autograph; “My name is… I am a first-aid provider. May I help you?” c. certification
card; “My name is… I am a first-aid provider. May I help you?”
d. a & c
4. The five links in the chain of survival in correct order are:
a. 911, CPR, AED, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Post Cardiac Arrest Care
b. CPR, 911, AED, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Post Cardiac Arrest Care
c. AED, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Post Cardiac Arrest Care, 911, CPR
d. Post Cardiac Arrest Care, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, 911, CPR, AED
5. When calling EMS you should tell them:
a. what happened and the condition of the injured person
b. the location of the emergency and a call-back number
c. how many persons are involved
d. your name and the first aid provided
e. all of the above
6. During CPR, the function of the heart and lungs are temporarily taken over by
a. chest compressions and ventilations
b.cardiac defibrillation and an oxygen bottle
c. advanced medications and ventilator machines
d. b & c
7. In the case of children and drowning victims, once unresponsiveness has been
established, the single rescuer should:
a. check for injuries
b. check the mouth for foreign bodies
c. activate EMS
d. perform CPR for 2 minutes and then call EMS
8. Emotional stress may occur before, during or after a rescue.
a. True b. False
9. In most cases, the heart restarts after someone performs CPR.
a. True b. False
10. Common Causes of House Fires
a. Sleeping b. Cooking c. Ironing d. Heating
TRANSMUTATION OF SCORE TO GRADE/RATING
Score 20 19-18 17 16 15 14 13-12 11 10 9-8 7 below
Grade 1.0 1.25 1.5 1.75 2.00 2.25 2.50 2.75 3.00 3.5 5.00
99 96 93 90 87 84 81 78 75 72 71-below

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SIGNATURE OF INSTRUCTOR ABOVE PRINTED NAME

DATE

References Labuguen, Florida C. et.al., Towards a Responsive Community Action, Malabon

City, Muty Publishing House, Inc., 2008
Lee, Sergio J., National Service Training Program, Quezon City, Philippines: C & E
Publishing, Inc.,2007
Maxwell, John C. Be all you can be! Mandaluyong City: Christian Group
Ministries , 2002
Sanchez, Marlo. Be smart! Start & manage your own business. 2000
Santos, Amparo E., Personality for Today’s Young Professional, Navotas City:
Navotas Press 2009

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