South Cotabato, Philippines – School heads from various schools in South Cotabato expressed their gratitude to Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. for supporting initiatives that strengthen disaster preparedness in schools, particularly the School-Based Earthquake Preparedness and Response Proficiency Assessment led by the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (OPDRRMO).
The initiative aims to evaluate and enhance the capacity of schools across the province to respond effectively during earthquakes and other emergencies, ensuring the safety of learners, teachers, and school personnel.
Jane Bañaga, Principal of Maltana National High School, expressed their gratitude after the school secured First Place in the 2025 School-Based Earthquake Preparedness and Response Proficiency Assessment.
Bañaga highlighted the important role of the provincial government in strengthening disaster preparedness programs in schools.
“We would like to thank the leadership of Governor Tamayo and the efforts of the OPDRRMO–South Cotabato for initiating programs that equip schools with the knowledge, systems, and coordination needed to respond to emergencies,” Banaga said.
According to Bañaga, the initiative has had a significant impact on the entire school community.
Through the training and assessments, learners, teachers, and staff have become more aware, prepared, and capable of responding effectively in the event of earthquakes and other disasters.
Maltana National High School bagged the 2025 school-based Earthquake Preparedness and Response proficiency Assessment. The school received P150, 000 cash prize.
The earthquake preparedness assessment forms part of the provincial government’s continuing efforts to strengthen disaster resilience in South Cotabato, particularly in educational institutions where preparedness and awareness play a crucial role in protecting lives during emergencies.
