Prueba de Hipótesis

The present efforts of the DepEd to come up with classroom designs that are more disaster resilient have to be mainstreamed in the sectoral development plan and for all schools so that they are not implemented on a pilot case only. Since the school is still the expected place for evacuation center, then the LAPUS design should be adopted on a nation wide scale. At the same time, the following have to be considered in the physical development of school buildings:

� Lands being donated by private entities for building site have to be assessed in terms of its vulnerability to hazards. Not all donations can be advantageous since there are observations that “sites for actual construction of school building are donated by the local government or purchased from a donor but these are often dependent on available land that usually nobody wants in the community.” (Allen, Molen, 2008).

� The Guidelines for the Construction of the school buildings of the DepEd has to take into considerations the suggestions forwarded in this study as discussed in the previous section. To reiterate, these are found in sections:

III. Disaster/ Risk Reduction Measures (Page 21 of the DepEd Educational Facilities Handbook) 2.) Fire Prevention and Safety Measures

Recommendations: Water tank reserve in cases of fire. 4.) Road Safety

Recommendations:

a.) Indicate speed limit of vehicles in school zones.

c.) Use traffic calming facilities such as humps to reduce speeds before pedestrian facilities. 5.) Proper Use of Chemicals & Gases in the Science Laboratories

Recommendations: A safety measure board shall be posted as a reminder for students.

The present efforts of the DepEd to come up with classroom designs that are more disaster resilient have to be mainstreamed in the sectoral development plan and for all schools so that they are not implemented on a pilot case basis only.

IV. School Sites (Page 27 of the DepEd Educational Facilities Handbook) a.) Location/ Environment

Recommendation: Provision for school location wherein it must not be located adjacent to existing schools or universities to avoid traffic congestion. Thus, avoiding engine noise and air pollution from vehicle emissions. This must comply with the standards of zoning require

ments from the planning office of the city government. c.) Accessibility

Recommendation: Building of satellite schools if possible to de-congest schools in the urban area. This minimizes travel time of students and maximizing safety of students in terms of street crimes and vehicular accidents.

� Detailed engineering shall proceed only on the basis of the feasibility or preliminary engineering study made which establishes the technical viability of the project and conformance to land use and zoning guidelines prescribed by existing laws. The findings contained in the feasibility study, if undertaken for the project, shall be examined. If, in the course of the exercise, as proposed, specific recommendations for such changes shall be supported by detailed justifications, including their effects on the cost, and if (necessary) the economic justification.

A schedule of detailed engineering activities shall include the following: a. Survey

b. Site Investigation c. Foundation Investigation d. Soils and Materials Investigation e. Preparation of Design

f. Preparation of Specifications

g. Preparation of quantity and Cost Estimates h. Preparation of Program Work

i. Preparation of Proposed Construction Schedule (and estimated Cash Flow for projects with schedule over Six (6) Months)

j. Preparation of Site or Right-of-Way Plans including Schedule of Acquisition k. Preparation of Utility Relocation Plan

l. Preparation and Submission of Design Report m. Environmental impact Statement for Major Project n. Preparation of Bid/ Tender Documents

� The “Dura- Quick Technology” being proposed for building construction has to be tested for its resilience to disaster hazards, especially fire, earthquake and typhoon. Pilot testing of the materials have to be done before going into mass application.

� As shown in the case study, the NGOs and the local communities have to be involved in the school construction, monitoring, repair and rehabilitation to ensure that there is ready and available local resources that can respond to immediate concerns.

More specific suggestions from the group discussions in the workshop include:

Question: For safer school construction what are the next steps to be taken for ensuring that all schools are built safe? Who would be the stakeholders – Government and non-government?

The comments are:

� On additional Features of a Safe School � Presence of adequate water and power supply � Comprehensive drainage and sewerage system

� Fire safety to include smoke detectors and alarm system; fire exit signage; access way for fire fighters � Design provision for ventilation

� Design provision for gender sensitivity e.g. toilet and bath, play ground etc., including needs of PWDs Immediate Policy/ Operational Actions

� Safety Assessment of existing buildings ( ancillary construction for safe schools)

� Community participation on site selection ( harness local knowledge) and fund mobilization � Prioritization of earthquake, flood and typhoon prone areas

� Replication of host families Stakeholders

� Department of Education

� Department of Budget Management � Department of Public Works and Highways � Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

� Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical and Services Administration � LGUs

� Parents and Teachers Association � People’s Organizations

� Religious Organizations

� Donor communities (foreign and local) � Regional Counterparts

� BFP, Department Interior and Local Governments � MGB, Department Environment and Natural Resources

Question: What additions should be made to the school building design so that it can be used as emergency and evacuation shelter with least impact on teaching?

The comments are:

� LAPUS building (existing) for physical education classes and non-academic classes For schools in rural area

� With comfort rooms

� With shower rooms separated from toilet � An area to be convertible to a kitchen facility For schools in urban area

� Use sports complex