Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF QUEZON
GUMACA WEST DISTRICT
Gumaca, Quezon
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Safeguarding young lives and educational futures should be the foremost priority for schools located
in disaster-prone areas. In the relentless pursuit of securing the safety and well-being of the Villa Arcaya
Elementary School community, the formulation of a robust Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM)
Contingency Plan stands as an imperative shield against an array of potential hazards. Nestled 400 meters
from the national road and snug against the foot of the mountains, Villa Arcaya confronts diverse
challenges, from floods and tropical cyclones to fires, landslides, and the imminent threat of tsunamis,
particularly in coastal areas.

Founded in 1970, Villa Arcaya Elementary School proudly marks its 53rd year in 2023. Born out of
the resolute efforts of Barangay residents, who, faced with the absence of a nearby school, rallied for the
establishment of a Primary School. This initiative sought to spare their children from the perilous one-and-
a-half-kilometer journey to the nearest educational institution.

The school years 1967-1968 witnessed the establishment of an annex in Barangay Villa Arcaya,
utilizing a temporary classroom in Bahay Nayon. Fueled by an unwavering desire for a dedicated school,
Barangay leaders initiated discussions to address the predicament. The current school site, spanning 5000
square meters, originally owned by Mr. Lamberto Alvarez, was acquired by Mr. Ruben P. Castillo on
February 11, 1970. On April 7, 1970, the Barangay officially relinquished the property to the Department of
Education Culture and Sports (now Department of Education), solidifying Villa Arcaya Elementary School's
exclusive ownership.

The geographical proximity to historically landslide-prone areas and other potential hazards
underscores the critical need for a comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction Management Contingency
Plan. This plan doesn't merely aim to react but strives to proactively address and mitigate the impacts of
natural disasters and emergencies, ensuring the continual safety, resilience, and uninterrupted educational
journey of the Villa Arcaya Elementary School community.

As climate change intensifies floods, storms, fires and other extreme weather events, disaster
preparedness has become an unfortunate necessity we can no longer afford to overlook. Villa Arcaya faces
various potential hazards including floods, tropical cyclones, fires, landslides, and the looming threat of

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Address: Brgy. Villa Arcaya Gumaca, Quezon

Email Address: 108776@deped.gov.ph
Contact Number: 09209013306
Facebook Page: DepEd Tayo Villa Arcaya ES - Quezon
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF QUEZON
GUMACA WEST DISTRICT
Gumaca, Quezon
__________________________________________________________________________________
tsunamis in coastal areas. This contingency plan serves as a beacon, showcasing a model document in
emergency preparedness and response for schools located in hazard-prone regions.
Villa Arcaya Elementary's story reflects resourcefulness and a dedication to community vital for disaster
resilience. It stands as a testament to progress achieved through grassroots efforts, securing a safe,
empowering environment for students to learn and thrive over decades.

Beyond its students, Villa Arcaya bears responsibility to spearhead community resilience as schools
often serve as gathering shelters during disasters. Proactive coordination with government units,
emergency responders and parents is vital to minimize chaos when adversity strikes. Detailed mapping,
supplies allocation and drilling will prepare Villa Arcaya to act as a steadfast anchor supporting Barangay
Villa Arcaya through crises.

The school, situated adjacent to previous landslide zones and other geographic risks, carries
firsthand knowledge and experience with disasters that can suddenly impact facilities and populations. This
underscores the significance of evidence-based vulnerability analysis, coordinated action plans, and
regular reevaluation of existing protocols. By embedding disaster readiness as integral to education, Villa
Arcaya Elementary sets an example, recognizing that every school's duty of care extends to preparedness
and response amidst crises.

This contingency plan meticulously outlines key threats and necessary responses, emphasizing the
commitment to protecting lives while minimizing disruption. Through proactive planning, even hazards that
cannot be fully prevented can be mitigated and overcome, ensuring the enduring safety and academic
success of the Villa Arcaya Elementary School community.

Ultimately, equipping the next generation with climate literacy, risk mitigation practices and crisis
leadership produces conscientious stewards of the earth. Villa Arcaya’s plan signifies a collective
commitment towards progress undeterred by disasters. It serves as a model document on emergency
preparedness and response for schools in hazard-prone regions. We prepare with hope and conviction to
build back better.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Address: Brgy. Villa Arcaya Gumaca, Quezon

Email Address: 108776@deped.gov.ph
Contact Number: 09209013306
Facebook Page: DepEd Tayo Villa Arcaya ES - Quezon