Disaster Risk Reduction Management Practices and Integration of DRRM Topics to K to 12 Curriculum among the Public Secondary Schools in CALABARZON: Basis for the Development of Curriculum Integration Framework

This study examined the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) practices and the integration of DRRM topics in the K to 12 Curriculum among public secondary schools in CALABARZON. The results and findings served as the basis for developing a Curriculum Integration Framework for DRRM. The computed overall mean of 4.40 indicates a very high level of DRRM practices across key areas, with no significant difference in the level of DRRM implementation and topic integration among school heads, teachers, and community respondents. However, a significant and direct relationship was found between the overall level of DRRM practices and the integration of DRRM topics in the K to 12 Curriculum. Despite the strong implementation, schools encountered several challenges, including limited mitigation programs, unclear committee roles, outdated DRRM plans, low stakeholder participation, lack of proper scheduling, insufficient teaching materials, minimal DRRM knowledge among educators, and inadequate assessment tools. To address these, respondents employed strategies such as upgrading school infrastructure, conducting regular training and drills, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, and adhering to DepEd Order No. 37, s. 2015, utilizing online and printed learning resources, promoting community-based disaster management activities, and implementing situational assessment methods. The study recommends that public secondary schools in CALABARZON sustain and further enhance their DRRM practices through improved communication, monitoring, and participatory planning processes, while expanding the integration of DRRM topics across learning areas. In line with the findings, a Curriculum Integration Framework is proposed to empower educational institutions to play a more proactive role in promoting community resilience and reducing disaster risks.