KAWIT, Cavite (PIA) — Over 800 students from Emiliano Tria Tirona Memorial National Integrated High School in Kawit, Cavite get immersed in an innovative disaster management lecture, learning about flood preparedness through the interactive online video game Minecraft.
This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to strengthen disaster and flood preparedness among the youth under the Cavite Industrial Area-Flood Risk Management Project (CIA-FRIMP).
Mr. Keisuke Ono, a lecturer at the Tohoku Institute of Technology in Japan, led the session on flood education using a 3D city model within Minecraft.
Ono emphasized the benefits of Minecraft’s three-dimensional features in helping students and the younger generation better understand disaster management and identify flood-prone areas, compared to traditional two-dimensional maps.
“Minecraft is good for kids to study which areas are endangered during floods and which places are safe under flood conditions,” Ono said.
“This is very important for providing collective information about natural disasters because the young generation of the Philippines is vital not just for this country but also for the world in building a better future,” he added.
According to CIA-FRIMP, the interactive lecture aimed to instill disaster resilience among the youth by immersing them in a hands-on, visual learning experience. Through the 3D city model, students were able to simulate real-life flood scenarios, identify flood-prone areas, and explore evacuation routes and risk reduction strategies.
Using the gamified approach, Ono guided students through discussions on the causes of flooding, structural and non-structural mitigation measures, and community-based strategies for disaster risk reduction.
For the teachers of Emiliano Tria Tirona Memorial National Integrated High School, the Minecraft online video game enabled students to better appreciate disaster management lessons.
“The interactive application captured the students’ attention, making the learning experience both enjoyable and informative. By incorporating engaging elements, the app facilitated a deeper comprehension, allowing the students to connect with the material in an exciting way,” the school stated.
The Provincial Government of Cavite supported the initiative, recognizing it as a step toward building a disaster-resilient community.
“This activity underscores the commitment of CIA-FRIMP, the Provincial Government of Cavite, and the local government of Kawit. By empowering the younger generation with knowledge and practical tools, this initiative will enable them to create safer communities ready to face the challenges of natural disasters,” the provincial government said.
CIA-FRIMP is a collaborative initiative between the DPWH and JICA aimed at addressing flood risks and enhancing disaster preparedness in the Cavite Industrial Area. (FSC, PIA4A)
