PLAN FOR THE THREAT AND DANGER: LEVEL OF PREPAREDNESS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN LUCENA CITY IN HANDLING BOMB THREATS AND BOMB EXPLOSIONS

The study aimed to enhance the capability of every higher education to handle the danger of bomb threats and explosions and to serve as guide in dealing with such situations. The study was conducted in Lucena City, Quezon, with the respondents consisting of faculty, security personnel, and personnel and school administrators . This study determined their knowledge, preparedness, and response to a bomb situation. Also it examined whether higher education institutions are prepared for a bombing situation. The data was collected using structured survey questionnaire. Frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and one-way ANOVA were used as statistical treatment. Results revealed that there is room for improvement in the training and programs provided by the higher education institutions in Lucena City on the proper response to a bomb-related incident although it was revealed that HEIs are well-equipped in responding to such incidents. Also, there was a significant difference in the collaboration and coordination between the government agency and the training and programs provided by each HEI. However, there was no significant difference in terms of equipment and resources to address emergency situations such as bomb threat and bomb explosion.