An Assessment of Safety Compliance, Capacity, Accessibility, and Hazard Exposure of an Earthquake Evacuation Area in an Elementary School in Calamba, Laguna

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Food, Nutrition, and Health (FNH)

School Name

Xavier School Nuvali

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Encina, Michael Jerome, M.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Laguna Campus (In-person) - Enrique K. Razon Jr. Hall - EKR 403

Abstract/Executive Summary

Earthquake preparedness in schools is essential for disaster risk reduction, especially in earthquake-prone areas like the Philippines. This study assessed the safety compliance, spatial capacity, and hazard exposure of the designated earthquake evacuation area in a selected elementary school in Calamba, Laguna. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed, beginning with quantitative data using a 25-item validated checklist to assess the evacuation area safety compliance. The checklist was based on Reiteration of Regional Memorandum No. 780, S. 2025 Strengthening Earthquake Preparedness and Emergency Response in School in Region IV-A CALABARZON, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommendations covering Location and Spatial Suitability, Capacity and Accessibility, and Safety and Compliance. To explain the quantitative findings, qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured interview with the Head of the DRRM Committee. Results showed an overall compliance rate of 63.3%, indicating moderate preparedness, with category compliance percentage of 50% for Location and Spatial Suitability, 60% for Capacity and Accessibility, and 80% for Safety and Compliance. Although the evacuation area can accommodate the school population and is included in the official DRRM plan, several potential secondary hazards were identified, including its proximity to a highway and the presence of overhead electrical structures. These conditions may expose evacuees to risks such as vehicular accidents and falling debris. The study recommends strengthening evacuation preparedness programs, installing visible road warning signages, and coordinating with local government officials for traffic control during evacuation.

Keywords

compliance; earthquakes; elementary schools; evacuation area; safety measures

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

An Assessment of Safety Compliance, Capacity, Accessibility, and Hazard Exposure of an Earthquake Evacuation Area in an Elementary School in Calamba, Laguna

Earthquake preparedness in schools is essential for disaster risk reduction, especially in earthquake-prone areas like the Philippines. This study assessed the safety compliance, spatial capacity, and hazard exposure of the designated earthquake evacuation area in a selected elementary school in Calamba, Laguna. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was employed, beginning with quantitative data using a 25-item validated checklist to assess the evacuation area safety compliance. The checklist was based on Reiteration of Regional Memorandum No. 780, S. 2025 Strengthening Earthquake Preparedness and Emergency Response in School in Region IV-A CALABARZON, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommendations covering Location and Spatial Suitability, Capacity and Accessibility, and Safety and Compliance. To explain the quantitative findings, qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured interview with the Head of the DRRM Committee. Results showed an overall compliance rate of 63.3%, indicating moderate preparedness, with category compliance percentage of 50% for Location and Spatial Suitability, 60% for Capacity and Accessibility, and 80% for Safety and Compliance. Although the evacuation area can accommodate the school population and is included in the official DRRM plan, several potential secondary hazards were identified, including its proximity to a highway and the presence of overhead electrical structures. These conditions may expose evacuees to risks such as vehicular accidents and falling debris. The study recommends strengthening evacuation preparedness programs, installing visible road warning signages, and coordinating with local government officials for traffic control during evacuation.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_FNH/15