Higher Education Institutions’ Risk Reduction Implementation: Victor or Victim?

This study aims to determine the level of implementation of the disaster-risk reduction of higher education institutions’ (HEI’s) along prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and rehabilitation and recovery. A qualitative design was utilized in this study. Six higher education institutions were involved. This comprised two state universities, two private sectarian and two private non-sectarians in Cebu City. Respondents from each institution include Vice President for Administration, University Engineer, College Deans, faculty members, administrative staff, and students. Findings revealed that higher education institutions in Cebu City have done initial flurry on disaster risk-reduction management however considering that it is still sporadic for most of the respondents and on the initial stage for others; thus weaknesses are present. The possibility of being a victim is still lurking among the HEI’s. Having a disaster risk-reduction plan may better prepare the school community in the event of a disaster. The utmost desire of parents and school administrators is a safer environment. Hence, changing the mindset and scaffolding the skills on emergency preparedness of the school community are therefore recommended to becoming victors in the event of a calamity.