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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is an earthquake-prone country, with quakes occurring daily,

however, the vast majority go unnoticed. PHIVOLCS reports an average of 20
earthquakes per day, with 100 to 150 earthquakes felt per year. Every year, around 3
million earthquakes occur worldwide, the great majority of which go unreported. A
major earthquake, on the other hand, is the most terrifying and lethal natural
occurrence that may occur anywhere on our planet's surface! Large earthquakes,
even if they last only a few seconds, can have disastrous repercussions, killing or
injuring thousands of people, destroying entire cities, and severely impacting the
economy of the afflicted region.

An earthquake occurs when a fault within the Earth's crust slips or ruptures,
causing the ground to shake or tremble. Rocks subjected to extreme pressure
unexpectedly release elastic energy as a result of slippage or rupture along a fault
line. This energy can be accumulated and stored over time before being released in
a matter of seconds or minutes. As a result of strain, more elastic energy is stored in
the rocks, increasing the risk of an earthquake occurring. Seismic waves are low-
frequency sound waves that move through the Earth's crust or along its surface as a
result of an earthquake's sudden release of energy.
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When a major earthquake strikes an urban area, structures fall, people are
injured or killed, infrastructure is damaged, and business interruption begins. The
initial impacts of an earthquake can be terrible for a town, making it impossible to
begin rescue efforts, restore key services, and begin the rehabilitation process. The
ability of a community to recover after such a catastrophe is a measure of its
resilience, and this paper focuses on the various factors that contribute to
earthquake resilience.

We are aware that earthquakes can occur at any time. therefore, being prepared
is crucial to reduce the dangers and damages associated with them. The goal of this
study paper is to look at the earthquake preparedness of 7th-grade pupils at Eastern
Samar National Comprehensive High School (ESNCHS). The study aims to examine
students' preparation, measure their knowledge and comprehension of what to do in
the event of an earthquake, and evaluate the success of the school's disaster
management strategy. The study's findings can be utilized to help develop ways for
improving ESNCHS students' preparation and reducing the impact of earthquakes in
their community. Finally, the study aims to improve understanding of the importance
of earthquakes.

Significance of the Study

With the recent increase in the frequency and intensity of earthquakes in the
Philippines, students must be prepared to protect themselves and respond correctly
in the event of an earthquake. The significance of this study is to provide crucial
insights into the level of preparedness of ESNCHS grade 7 students before an
earthquake. This research can help determine the factors that affect students'
emergency preparedness, which may be utilized to enhance emergency
preparedness programs in schools. This research can potentially be used to develop
rules and regulations for enhancing preparedness for disasters for high school pupils
in fault-prone locations. In addition, the findings of this study could serve as a
platform for further studies.
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Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The current study focuses on assessing grade 7 students' understanding,

mindsets, and actions about preparedness for an earthquake. The research will also
reveal the elements that affect one's level of preparation. Students in grade 7 at
ESNCHS will be included in the study because they are at a critical age for learning
and practicing essential earthquake safety practices. The current study used a
survey questionnaire to gather information from students and assess their level of
preparation and awareness.

Definition of Terms:

Assess – evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.

Awareness – is the state or ability to perceive, feel, or be conscious of events,

objects, or sensory patterns.

Crucial - being a final or very important test or decision.

Earthquake – a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, sometimes causing great
destruction, as a result of movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action.

Earthquake-prone - A building, or part of a building, is earthquake-prone if it is likely

to collapse and cause injury or death, or damage to another property, in a moderate
earthquake.

Frequency - how often a given earthquake with a certain magnitude comes about.

Fault - a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock.

Intensity - a number that characterizes the severity of ground shaking at that

location by considering the effects of the shaking on people, manmade structures,
and the landscape.
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CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Related Studies

The Philippine Disaster Management System

The Philippines is susceptible to various types of natural hazards due to its

geographical location and physical environment; being situated in the “Pacific Ring of
Fire”, between two Tectonic plates (Eurasian and Pacific), an area encircling the
Pacific Ocean where frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity result from the
movements of said tectonic plates. The country experiences an average of 20
earthquakes per day (most are too weak to be felt). There are also about 300
volcanoes, of which 22 are active and have been recorded in history to have
erupted; while 5 are considered to be the most active namely: Taal, Mayon, Bulusan,
Kanlaon, and Hibok-Hibok. Also, being located along the typhoon belt/superhighway
in the Pacific makes it vulnerable to extreme weather events. An average of 20-30
typhoons/tropical cyclones visit the country every year, with 5-7 of them considered
the most destructive. Its 36,289 km. of coastline is also vulnerable to tsunamis,
making the country also highly susceptible to sea level rise and storm surges.
Accompanying or resulting from these tropical cyclone events are secondary
phenomena such as landslides, floods/flashfloods/flooding, tornadoes, drought, and
heavy/monsoon rains.
Over the past decades, the Philippines have been labeled as one of the most
disaster-prone countries in the world mainly because of its geographic and geologic
location and physical characteristics. The 1,200-km-long Philippine fault zone (PFZ)
is a major tectonic feature that transects the whole Philippine archipelago from
northwestern Luzon to southeastern Mindanao. This arc-parallel, left-lateral strike-
slip fault is divided into several segments and has been the source of large-
magnitude earthquakes in recent years, such as the 1973 Ragay Gulf earthquake (M
7.0), 1990 Luzon earthquake (Mw 7.7) and 2003 Masbate earthquake (Ms 6.2).
Disaster preparedness including disaster risk reduction has been strengthened in our
country, especially through the passage of the Disaster Risk Reduction Management
Act of 2010 (Republic Act (RA) 10121) and with its implementing Rules and
Regulations supported by the Climate Change Act of 2009 (RA 9729). Efforts to
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familiarize the coordination mechanism to different parts of the country have been
stepped up to contribute to local disaster preparedness.1

A Comparison of the Levels of Earthquake Awareness and Preparedness in a

High-risk and Low-risk Barangay.

According to this research, they conducted a cross-sectional study among 376

households each from a high- and low-risk barangay in Metro Manila using a self-
administered household-based survey questionnaire consisting of questions on
awareness and preparedness. The prevalence of households classified as aware
and well-prepared was computed; the significance of differences between the high-
and low-risk barangays was determined through Fisher's exact test.

As a result, there were fewer households classified as aware in the high-risk

barangay compared with the low-risk barangay, but the difference was not significant
(PR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.84, 1.01, p = 0.078, Fisher's exact test). Less than half of
households were classified as well-prepared in both high- and low-risk barangays
(49.7 vs 46.5%) and the difference was not significant (PR = 1.07, 95% CI 0.92,
1.24, p = 0.422, Fisher's exact test). Television was the most common source of
information in both barangays. Households in the high-risk barangay were more
likely to be well-prepared when a member was at least a high school graduate (PR =
2.54, 95% CI 1.24, 5.22, p = 0.001, Fisher's exact test).

They concluded that there was no difference in the levels of awareness and
preparedness between high and low-risk barangays. Television was the most
common source of information in both high and low-risk barangays. The presence of
at least one high school graduate in the household from a high-risk barangay was
associated with preparedness but not awareness.2

Factors Affecting Intention to Prepare for Mitigation of “The Big One”

Earthquake in the Philippines: Integrating Protection Motivation Theory and
Extended Theory of Planned Behavior

The lack of studies on Filipinos’ preparedness for natural calamities such as

earthquakes, specifically “The Big One”, posed the necessity for researchers to
assess preparedness and disaster mitigation. This study aimed to assess the driving
factors that significantly influence the intention to prepare among Filipinos for the
mitigation of The Big One earthquake. With the integration of the Protection
Motivation Theory and Extended Theory of Planned Behavior, the study considered
727 valid responses to measure the intention to prepare. Eight latent were measured
namely: (1) perceived vulnerability, (2) perceived severity, (3) subjective norm, (4)
perceived behavioral control, (5) attitude, (6) media, (7) understanding of The Big
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One, and (8) intention to prepare. By utilizing Structural Equation Modelling, it is

found that Media, Attitude, Perceived Severity and Subjective Norm are all key
factors affecting the intention of people to prepare for the Big One. Moreover, it was
also found that the Understanding of the Big One has an indirect effect on the
intention to prepare. The findings of the study can be utilized by the government to
make Filipinos for conducting preparedness and mitigation practices. Finally, the
model construct of the study could also be utilized to evaluate other types of natural
disasters worldwide. Concluded that the lack of studies on Filipino's preparedness
for natural calamities such as earthquakes posed the necessity for researchers to
address this problem as the country is located in an earthquake-prone area that
makes them experience a lot of massive earthquakes than usual. Protection
Motivation Theory and Extended Theory of Planned Behavior was used as an
instrument as it is widely used in disaster research for measuring the knowledge of
the people about the disaster.3

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Research Design:

A survey method was used in this study to determine students' thoughts about

earthquake preparedness. Students' opinions and responses were gathered through

a survey questionnaire that contained yes/no/maybe questions.

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Locale of the Study:

The seismic study will take place at Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High

School. The location is a public school in the city of Borongan, within the Philippines'

eastern region. The study's goal is to assess the school's level of readiness in the

event of an earthquake.

Respondents of the Study:

The respondent of the study was chosen by the proponent to be high school

students from Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School, especially

Grade 7 students, and received 244 responses from students.

Sampling Design:

The proponent utilized a systematic random sampling approach in which

members of a bigger population are chosen at random but with a fixed, periodic

interval. Among the 630 Grade 7 students, 244 students were chosen at random,

accounting for approximately 39% of the identified individuals.

The table depicts the population and sample distribution of Grade 7 students

at ESNCHS who participated in the study during SY 2022-2023.

RESPONDENTS POPULATION SIZE SAMPLE SIZE

Adelfa 32 14

Aster 36 14

Azucena 33 13

Begonia 35 14
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Cadena De Amor 40 16

Camia 36 14

Catleya 30 12

Dahlia 37 14

Dama De Noche 39 12

Gumamela 32 12

Ilang-ilang 40 16

Jasmin 32 12

Lily 16 6

Petunia 37 15

Rosal 39 15

Rose 38 15

Sampaguita 41 16

Sunflower 37 14

TOTAL 630 244

Research Instrument:

Preparation, planning, and practice are essential for surviving an earthquake,

according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's page on Natural

Disasters and Severe Weather.4 Discover how to prepare for an earthquake and

what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during and after an

earthquake.

Data Gathering Procedure:

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The data was gathered by the researcher using a survey questionnaire that

included their name, grade, and section. The researcher described the goal of the

study to the chosen participants and then ensured that each participant met their

stated criteria. The survey questionnaire was validated, counted, interpreted, and

evaluated after the respondents completed it.

Data Analysis:

To analyze the survey data, descriptive statistics will be used, and frequency,

percentages, and means will be used to characterize the responses to the questions.

The results will be illustrated with a table and column chart.

CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

General

This section discusses how the study's proponent interprets the survey
questionnaire described in Chapter III.

Results:

YES NO MAYBE
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1. Have you experienced an earthquake? 100%

2. Does an earthquake occur frequently in 95% 5%
your area?
3. Is an earthquake risky? 85% 15%
4. During an earthquake, do you think 90% 10%
running outside the building is much
safer than doing “DUCK, COVER, and
HOLD”?
5. Does your school perform an earthquake 95% 5%
drill?
6. Do you think your school is well prepared 70% 10% 20%
enough when an earthquake hits your
area?
7. Do you think panicking will help you 88% 12%
during an earthquake?
8. Does your school teach you what you 93% 7%
need to do in times of earthquake?
9. Is it safe to remain close to windows, 87% 13%
glass, or anything that can fall during an
earthquake?
10. Do we have to take earthquake drills 98% 2%
seriously?

Results of Survey Questions

120%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
QUESTION QUESTION QUESTION QUESTION QUESTION QUESTION QUESTION QUESTION QUESTION QUESTION
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

YES NO MAYBE
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Discussion:

According to the findings of this study, all of the respondents have experienced an
earthquake, and 95% of them are aware that our area is earthquake-prone, 85% are
aware that earthquakes are dangerous, 90% are aware that the Duck, Cover, and
Hold procedure is much safer than running outside during an earthquake, 95%
witnessed that their school has conducted an earthquake drill, 70% agree that their
school is well prepared enough in times of earthquake, 10% disagree, and the other
20% aren't sure. 88% believe that panicking will not assist during an earthquake, and
93% agree that their school teaches students what to do in an earthquake., 87% of
them are aware of the safest place to be during an earthquake, and 98% think that
the earthquake drill should be taken seriously.

As a result, the majority of people are aware of the risks of earthquakes and know
what to do in such situations.
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CHAPTER V

Summary

Everyone must prepare and be informed of how to act in an emergency so that no

one is caught off guard. Just like an earthquake, which always happens when you
least expect it. Earthquakes can occur anywhere, including at home, work, or school.
Each student must be aware of the school's many safety features to know what they
will do and where they will go in the case of an earthquake.

The descriptive survey method was used in the study, which took place at
Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School of Borongan City, Eastern
Samar. The study used a researcher-created questionnaire based on the school's
Emergency Evacuation Plan and the Philippine Building Code.

Each part received a random response from the researchers. The vast majority of
replies are adequately equipped and knowledgeable about earthquakes. According
to the findings, respondents are aware of the school's numerous safety measures.
However, when it comes to knowledge of the Evacuation Exit and area, the findings
show that respondents are unfamiliar with their specific area.

Conclusion

The student's awareness of the school's safety elements is a vital concern to keep
themselves secure and safe during an earthquake. In conclusion, the study revealed
that the majority of Grade 7 students at Eastern Samar National Comprehensive
High School demonstrated a high level of preparedness and awareness before an
earthquake, and a significant minority of students still need training and instruction in
this area. The data also demonstrate the significance of an individual's seismic
awareness. Regular drills and seminars, as well as good training and instructions,
assist a large number of people in overcoming this type of disaster.
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Recommendations:

The following are suggested based on the study's findings:

Strict compliance and adherence to the school safety team's drill must be
observed. Students and the security team's connections are strengthened by
conducting seminars and raising awareness to create good communication and
beneficial outcomes. It is also done to place evacuation plans and evacuation
directions in more visible areas within the classrooms. The effectiveness of drills,
seminars, and public awareness must be evaluated regularly. Evacuation zones and
exits must be covered in numerous assessments that need to be remembered and
drilled into the students' heads.

References:
1
https://www.adrc.asia/aboutus_r/vrdata/finalreport/2011A_PHL_Anna_FRR.pdf
2
https://www.herdin.ph/index.php/component/herdin/?
view=research&cid=75034
3
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420921004283
4
https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/during.html