17/09/2026
EMPOWERING LEARNER LEADERS FOR SAFER AND MORE RESILIENT SCHOOLS
The Youth Formation Services Section, in collaboration with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Section of DepEd Isabela City, successfully conducted the Division Student-Led School Watching and Hazard Mapping on September 2–4, 2026, at Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School (ICEPS).
Anchored on DepEd Order No. 23, s. 2015, the three-day capacity-building activity brought together learner leaders from elementary and secondary schools, together with their respective Teacher-Advisers, to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and confidence in promoting school safety, disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and learner participation.
The activity formally opened with the warm welcome and remarks of Ma'am Evelyn Fernandez, Principal of Isabela Central Elementary Pilot School, who expressed her support for initiatives that empower learners to become responsible partners in ensuring school safety.
Meanwhile, OIC-Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Lyna H. Basri, EdD, delivered an inspiring message to the participants, emphasizing the vital role of learner leaders in strengthening a culture of preparedness, responsibility, and resilience within the school community.
The activity emphasized that learners are not merely recipients of safety programs—they can also become active partners and advocates in building safer, more prepared, and resilient school communities. Through Student-Led School Watching and Hazard Mapping, learner leaders were equipped to identify potential hazards, understand risks, participate in preparedness measures, and contribute to a culture of safety within their respective schools.
The participants gained valuable insights from resource speakers and partner agencies through the following sessions:
🔹 Topic 1: Fundamentals of DRRM & Emergency Preparedness Mandate
Led by EMS Irene A. Francisco, the session introduced the participants to the fundamental concepts of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and the importance of emergency preparedness in schools and communities.
🔹 Topic 2: Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE)
Led by Hatta A. Amil, Education Program Supervisor (EPS), the session focused on DepEd Order No. 06, s. 2026, highlighting the importance of creating learning environments that are safe, inclusive, protective, and conducive to learners' holistic development.
🔹 Topic 3: Managing Human-Induced Hazards: From Threat Mitigation to Tactical Response
Led by 52nd SAC-SAF PCpl Reymond Tejano, the session provided participants with important perspectives on recognizing and responding to human-induced hazards, emphasizing preparedness, threat mitigation, situational awareness, and appropriate response.
🔹 Topic 4: Basic First Aid and Basic Life Support
Led by Red Cross Basilan through Annie Intimani, participants were introduced to essential first-aid and basic life support principles. The session was complemented by an actual hands-on demonstration, allowing learner leaders to better appreciate the importance of immediate and appropriate response during emergencies.
🔹 Topic 5: Fire Safety and Earthquake Response
Led by Bureau of Fire Protection FO3 Verr Niezle T. Samong, the participants learned practical measures on fire prevention, fire safety, earthquake preparedness, and appropriate response during emergencies.
🔹 Topic 6: Student-Led School Watching and Hazard Mapping & YES-O Program
Led by Mr. Sharif Majdi A. Julabbi, PDO-DRRM, and Ms. Jenny Tuazon, PDO-YFSS, the session equipped participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct school watching, identify hazards, assess risks, and actively participate in environmental and safety initiatives through the YES-O Program.
One of the significant highlights of the activity was the conduct of a collaborative Active Shooting Simulation at ICEPS, undertaken with the participation of the learner leaders, Teacher-Advisers, and partner agencies.
The simulation provided participants with an opportunity to experience a practical emergency scenario and understand the importance of calm decision-making, proper coordination, situational awareness, communication, and adherence to established emergency protocols.
More than a simulation, the activity demonstrated the importance of whole-of-community collaboration in preparing schools to respond appropriately to different types of emergencies and threats.
The successful conduct of the Division Student-Led School Watching and Hazard Mapping underscores the commitment of DepEd Isabela City to continuously strengthen partnerships among schools, learners, teachers, emergency responders, and other stakeholders.
Through meaningful collaboration, knowledge-sharing, skills development, and practical simulations, learner leaders are given opportunities to become prepared, proactive, responsible, and resilient young leaders who can contribute to safer schools and communities.
The three-day activity culminated with the presence of Chief Education Supervisor Mr. Eduardo G. Gulang of the School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD), together with Mr. Shaidomar Francisco, who graced the closing program and joined the participants in celebrating the successful completion of the activity.
Their presence further highlighted the importance of sustained support and collaboration in developing learner leaders who are equipped not only with leadership skills but also with the knowledge and competencies needed to respond to risks and emergencies.
The Division Student-Led School Watching and Hazard Mapping is more than a training activity. It is an investment in the capacity of young people to see risks, understand hazards, take action, and help build a culture of preparedness and resilience.
When learners are empowered with the right knowledge and skills, they become valuable partners in creating schools where safety, protection, preparedness, and resilience are shared responsibilities.
The Youth Formation Services Section and DRRM Section of DepEd Isabela City extend their appreciation to all learner leaders, Teacher-Advisers, school heads, resource speakers, partner agencies, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of this meaningful undertaking.