As we are experiencing climate change, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) deemed it necessary to increase awareness and strengthen the capability of Science and Mathematics teachers on disaster risk reduction and management. Although one seldom experience strong earthquakes in Southern Mindanao, the disaster risk reduction and management awareness will guide teachers as well as students on how to effectively respond when such phenomenon occurs.
Fifty Science and Mathematics teachers from elementary and secondary schools as well as State Universities and Colleges in the region will gather on April 24-27, 2012 for the seminar workshop on "Strengthen the Capacity of Science and Mathematics Teachers on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management". The Science Education Insitute (SEI) of DOST recognizes that it is one of the fundamental functions of teachers to take part in educating students spend more hours in school, it is crucial for the teachers to understand the concepts on disasters and climate change to effectively and accurately transfer information to students. Students can then transfer the information to their family members causing a multiplier effect.
Experts from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geogrpahical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS), Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-MGB), and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) will be invited as resource speakers during the said seminar workshop.
Participants, aside from being trained and capacitated to teach disaster risk reduction and management to students, are expected to come up with a disaster risk reduction and management plan for their respective schools.
