Caraganon teacher-researcher champions disaster literacy through comics
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — At a time when their province continues to face intensifying natural hazards, a teacher from Hinatuan National Comprehensive High School (HNCHS) in Surigao del Sur has drawn attention for his innovative approach to disaster education—comics.
Marloun K. Gasoc, teacher II, is among the select teacher-researchers who received support from the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Basic Education Research Fund (BERF).
His study, ‘Contextualized Comic-Themed Booklet as Supplementary Material in Enhancing Hydrometeorological Hazard Literacy for Grade 11 Students at HNCHS,’ introduces disaster preparedness concepts through comic storytelling—a medium preferred by most young learners.
“Teaching in a hazard-prone community made me realize that although students regularly experience floods, heavy rains, and storms, hydrometeorological hazards are among the least learned and least mastered competencies, especially in the Grade 11 science curriculum,” said Gasoc.
He further noted that his students’ limited knowledge and understanding of hydrometeorological hazards were clearly reflected in the low priority they placed on disaster preparedness, which motivated him to do something to bridge the gap.
“It was then that I realized that disaster education should go beyond theory—it should equip learners with practical, life-saving knowledge. This inspired me to focus on disaster education using an approach that makes complex concepts accessible, meaningful, and relevant to students’ real-life experiences,” he further added.
As a science and research teacher, Gasoc explored established teaching approaches that had been validated in previous studies. He discovered that comics serve as highly effective supplementary instructional materials, capable of enhancing students’ learning and comprehension. By combining visuals, text, and storytelling, comics simplify complex scientific concepts and transform them into lessons that are both engaging and accessible.
The results of his research were striking. In a survey conducted among his Grade 11 learners, the comic-themed booklet earned a rating of ‘highly acceptable,’ reflecting its effectiveness and appeal. More importantly, Gasoc measured its impact through a pre-test and post-test evaluation. Students initially scored an average of 53.44 percent, indicating limited prior knowledge of disaster concepts. After being introduced to the comic booklet, their scores soared to 89.24 percent—an improvement of more than 35 percentage points.
This remarkable outcome demonstrates how creative, contextualized learning materials can transform classroom instruction and empower students with life-saving knowledge. Gasoc’s work not only validates the role of education research but also underscores the importance of equipping young people with practical skills to face real-world challenges.
DepEd’s BERF program continues to encourage teachers nationwide to pursue research that addresses pressing educational needs. Gasoc’s project stands as a testament to how innovation at the classroom level can ripple outward, strengthening community resilience and contributing to the broader goals of disaster risk reduction and management.
For Hinatuan National Comprehensive High School, the success of this research is a source of pride, showing that teachers can be catalysts of change—bridging science, creativity, and advocacy to prepare the next generation for a safer future. (NJGD/PIA Caraga)
