CAGAYAN de Oro City — Eighteen public elementary schools in Cagayan de Oro have received emergency and disaster-response equipment to help teachers and students prepare for earthquakes, fires and other emergencies.
The school was among 18 elementary schools in the city that received the Master of Disaster (MoD) Board Game and disaster preparedness kits under the initiative.
The program aims to teach children how to recognize disaster risks and what to do before, during and after emergencies through interactive learning.
The MoD Board Game allows pupils to learn about disaster preparedness through play, interaction and decision-making. It presents situations that help children understand how to respond when disasters strike.
Bayanga Elementary School Head Russell Love Salongayan said the school's two-year partnership with Shell Philippines has helped improve students' awareness of disaster risks and preparedness.
More than 600 pupils also received emergency supplies, including flashlights, medicine kits, whistles, waterproof bags, hard hats, personal protective equipment (PPE), CPR units and other materials.
ASSIST Director Francis Macatulad said teaching disaster preparedness at an early age is important in building a culture of readiness among young people.
"We need to educate our youth how to be prepared and have a disaster readiness mindset," Macatulad said.
Shell Philippines Vice President for Corporate Relations Serge Bernal said the company was glad to bring its disaster preparedness advocacy to communities, including schools.
Bernal said introducing the program to grade school pupils helps build a foundation of safety awareness.
The initiative also works with local government units (LGUs) and other agencies to strengthen disaster preparedness, he said.
Through the program, organizers hope children will gain the knowledge and skills to protect themselves, their families and their communities during emergencies.
