ELEMENTARY TEACHERS' READINESS AND RESPONSE STRATEGIES INTHE FACE OF NATURAL DISASTERS: A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) is a critical global priority, particularly in regions highly vulnerable to natural hazards. This descriptive-correlational study assessed the disaster readiness and response strategies of 107 elementary teachers in Hinabangan I and II Districts, Schools Division of Samar, during the School Year 2024-2025. Findings revealed that while teachers generally exhibit strong preparedness for DRRM drills, emergency evacuation, and emergency response, their overall readiness is only weakly correlated with factors like age, teaching experience, and disaster exposure, despite an overwhelmingly positive attitude towards DRRM. Significant challenges persist in financial resources and technology, alongside moderate issues with manpower and technical knowledge. Although teachers endorse various response strategies, a weak positive correlation exists between their attitude towards DRRM and their actual response. Crucially, a moderate correlation was found between readiness in emergency evacuation and response skills, and actual disaster response. These insights underscore the need for targeted, tiered DRRM training, enhanced drill realism, improved resource mobilization, and a holistic approach to preparedness to strengthen teacher capabilities and ensure resilient school communities.