Page 40 - ATENEO SERVED 2020 E-BOOK_Neat

Ateneo Science Educators and Researchers in Virtual
Engagement (SERVE) 2020 Ateneo de Manila University
School of Science and Engineering
MS Science Education Program of Biology Department

Integration of Virtual Reality in Disaster Readiness Risk Reduction (DRRR) Using a Simulation
Training Program for Typhoon Hazard Awareness: AMBON

a*
b
Cecille D. Pegtuan , Sao Athena M. Matanguiban , and Richard R. Sagcal, MSc c

abc
Quezon City Science High School Regional Science High School for National Capital Region, Philippines
Golden Acres corner Bago Bantay St, Quezon City, National Capital Region, Philippines
* Corresponding Author: cecille.pegtuan@deped.gov.ph

ABSTRACT

Philippines is frequently visited by typhoons, not less than twenty typhoons annually to be exact. Although
the governments and non-government associations offer disaster educational programs and emergency
training to raise disaster preparedness and awareness in communities, there is still higher risks and chances
of casualties amongst citizens as they try to evacuate. Technology through Virtual Reality (VR) offers an
easier, accessible and more engaging forms of learning. VR provides an immersive user experience designed
to make users perceive life-like events. Moreover, VR can be accessed and downloaded on smart phones
given that a large percentage of Filipinos own one. The study integrated the use of VR in teaching Disaster
Readiness Risk Reduction (DRRR) using a Simulation Training Program in for Typhoon Hazard Awareness.
Programing, digital designing and digital printing were taught to students to come up with an improve mobile
application. Particularly, the AMBON was created, and it stands for “Assessment and Mitigation Based On
Natural Typhoon Hazards”, is a VR mobile application that aims to educate the number of people on proper
evacuation and mitigation of typhoon hazards. Its prototype was used for pilot testing and initial data
collection from a group of students in a selected high school. Results show that there has been a significant
difference between the groups of randomly selected students: students who first used AMBON influenced
higher Disaster Awareness than those in the control and traditional method groups. Recommendations
gathered after the pilot testing include extending access to operating systems other than android, like Apple’s
iOS. The application should be made available as well to those who live in areas that experience the effects of
typhoon the most. Moreover, AMBON should offer a wider inclusion of likely incidents and circumstances
that could happen during a typhoon.

Keywords: Disaster, Readiness, Risk Reduction, Typhoon Hazard Awareness, Typhoon Mitigation,
Simulation, Virtual Reality

40