Ateneo Disaster Literacy Index Study

Republic Act 10121 emphasizes that effective Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) must be rooted in community-based action, where those most at risk play an active role in identifying and managing disaster risks. In Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) like the Ateneo de Manila University, this means that preparedness is both an institutional responsibility and a shared practice among students, faculty, and staff.

While Ateneo maintains established emergency protocols and a comprehensive Campus Emergency Management Plan, how community members understand, interpret, and act on disaster information has not yet been fully examined. The Disaster Literacy Index (DLI) Study responds to this need by assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills that shape preparedness behaviors across the University.

Grounded in Brown, Haun, and Peterson’s (2014) disaster literacy framework and informed by UNESCO’s (2021) Media and Information Literacy (MIL) standards, the study views disaster literacy as a progressive competence, moving from basic understanding of warnings to independent decision-making. It also recognizes that preparedness today requires digital and communicative skills, including the ability to evaluate information credibility and navigate online coordination during emergencies.

The DLI is envisioned as a participatory tool that helps the University identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement in its disaster readiness. By engaging stakeholders in its development and interpretation, the study aligns with Ateneo’s LSG 5 (Ecological Education) and LSG 7 (Community Involvement and Participatory Action), fostering a culture of shared responsibility and resilience.

Spearheaded by the Climate and Disaster Resilience (CDR) Program of the Ateneo Institute of Sustainability, the University-wide study aims to build a stronger foundation for community-driven safety, preparedness, and environmental stewardship.