By Hannah Torregoza Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Wednesday urged his colleagues to expedite the passage of a bill that would require the teaching of disaster awareness and mitigation in all elementary and high schools in the country. Angara made the call as the country braced itself for the possible onslaught of super typhoon Ompong which is expected to pass through northern Luzon this weekend. Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara
(Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN) “The Philippines is perhaps one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Every year, about 20 typhoons enter the Philippines with their strong winds, storm surges and floods—damaging many properties and lives of our kababayans,” Angara said. In pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1944, Angara said disaster awareness and mitigation should be part of the curriculum in all primary and secondary schools in the country. The bill, he said, is a must for the Philippines, which is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, tsunami, floods and droughts due to its geologic and geographical situation. “As a father, I feel most parents’ fears whenever their children are far from them in times of disaster,” Angara said. “This is why it is important to equip students with knowledge on mitigating and managing hazards and risks brought by natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes,” Angara said. He further explained that the proposed law was in response to the need to minimize loss of life, property damage and socioeconomic impact caused by natural disasters. Once enacted, the Department of Education (DepEd) shall adopt the necessary rules and regulations to implement the law’s provisions.