Knowledge and Preparedness of Criminology Students on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

Abstract

This study determined the knowledge and preparedness of criminology students regarding Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) across the four thematic areas of disaster prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response, and disaster rehabilitation and recovery at Isabela State University-Jones Campus. A descriptive quantitative design was employed. Through total enumeration, 120 Bachelor of Science in Criminology students, composed of 70 third-year and 50 fourth-year students, participated in the study. Data were gathered through a 46-item adapted and modified questionnaire administered through Google Forms. Five DRRM experts validated the instrument, which obtained a content validity score of 1.00, while pilot testing with 20 students produced a Cronbach alpha coefficient of .985. Mean and standard deviation were used in the analysis. The respondents demonstrated extensive knowledge of DRRM overall (M = 3.26), with the highest mean in disaster preparedness (M = 3.37); disaster response (M = 3.20) and rehabilitation and recovery (M = 3.22) remained at the good knowledge level. They were extremely well-prepared across all thematic areas (overall M = 3.31), with disaster preparedness obtaining the highest mean (M = 3.33). Regular simulation exercises and drills were rated as the most effective enhancement strategy (M = 3.38), followed by certification programs (M = 3.36). The findings indicate that sustained curricular integration, practical training, drills, and community participation support strong DRRM readiness, while technical competencies in incident command, medical triage, search and rescue, damage assessment, and Build Back Better require further strengthening. A competency-based three-day enhancement program was therefore proposed.