SIXTEEN elementary schools in Batangas City are now better equipped to handle emergencies, thanks to the Master of Disaster (MOD) program spearheaded by Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SPC) and the Pilipinas Shell Foundation (PSF), in partnership with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Batangas LGU. The initiative aims to empower students and teachers with critical life-saving knowledge and tools for effective disaster response.
At the Shell Pilipinas Master of Disaster Closing Ceremony, held over the weekend at the Batangas City Schools Division Office, SPC Vice President for Corporate Relations, Serge Bernal, emphasized the importance of educating children about disaster preparedness” This program seeks to equip students with the necessary knowledge on how to prepare for and respond to disasters, which are all too common in our country” , Bernal stated.
The MOD program trained over 300 teachers and provided schools with essential emergency equipment, such as hard hats, wheelchairs, fire extinguishers, and stretchers.
These resources are intended to enhance the ability of schools to act swiftly during crises, ensuring the safety of students and staff alike.
Batangas City School Superintendent Hermogenes Asperon expressed deep gratitude to SPC and ASSIST, noting that the initiative not only improved teacher skills but also provided much-needed resources for schools.”The children are learning while having fun,”he added.
ASSIST Program Director Francis Macatulad explained that the MOD improve youth awareness and education regarding disaster preparedness. “This is a crucial life skill, especially for Filipinos, as we are frequently impacted by disasters. We need to always be more prepared and aware of what to do before, during, and after disasters,”
Macatulad said. He also noted that the MOD program was developed in response to the tragic aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, where a lack of knowledge about disaster response led
to significant loss of life and property. ASSIST, with input from agencies like PAGASA and PHIVOLCS, created a disaster preparedness board game to teach these essential skills in a fun and engaging way.
Batangas City Vice Mayor Alyssa Renee Cruz Atienza, speaking on behalf of Mayor Beverly DimacuhaMariño, thanked ASSIST for creating such an informative game and expressedgratitude to the sponsors who made the initiative possible.
Marvin Joseph Ilagan, Operations Manager of Shell Import Facility, announced that this isjust the beginning for MOD in Batangas. He shared that SPC, PSF, and ASSIST are already planning for a Phase 2, targeting even more schools in the province. “ Batangas, being a coastal area prone to typhoons, earthquakes, and flooding, needs programs like this to teach children early on” , Ilagan said. He also noted that the board game fosters social interaction among students, teachers, and parents while ensuring that learning—rather than winning—is the ultimate goal.
“We will not stop here. The improvement of the game will continue, and we aim to reach larger areas to educate more students,” Ilagan added.
Key figures present at the ceremony included City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office Chief Rod Dela Roca and SPC Media Relations Manager Manny Castañeda, along with teachers and coordinators from the 16 participating schools.
As natural disasters grow more frequent and intense, initiatives like the MOD program serve as vital reminders of the importance of preparedness. By teaching even the youngest members of the community how to respond, these programs have the potential to save lives and build a more resilient future for all.
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