A Board Game That Teaches Kids Disaster Preparedness

Let’s be honest, mama: one of our biggest fears is the thought of our kids facing a natural disaster. Whether it’s a typhoon, an earthquake, or even a fire drill at school, our instinct is to be there to keep them safe.

But what if we could give them the confidence to handle emergencies even when we’re not around?

Here’s the good news: students in Cagayan de Oro and Batangas City are now learning real-life disaster response skills through something unexpected, a board game!

Yes, you read that right. It’s called Master of Disaster (MOD), and it’s changing the way kids learn how to stay safe. And trust me, as a mom, I’ve never been more excited about a school activity.

What Is “Master of Disaster”?

MOD is a fun, interactive board game created by the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), designed to teach kids what to do before, during, and after a disaster.

Instead of just memorizing safety tips, kids work together to solve problems, make decisions, and navigate challenges just like in a real emergency. It’s a hands-on learning experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and critical thinking.

But the best part? It reinforces one of our most cherished Filipino values: bayanihan, or the spirit of helping one another in times of need.

Real Kids, Real Impact

During the game rollout in several schools, one student from Libjo Elementary shared,

“Playing MOD improves our social skills and teaches us to work together and escape disasters.”

Meanwhile, a teacher from Tabangao Elementary said,

“The students were excited. They learned a lot, and they were really motivated.”

Can we just take a moment to appreciate how awesome that is? Not only are our kids learning how to stay safe—they’re doing it in a way that sticks.

Growing Reach, Bigger Impact

In its first phase, the program reached over 81,000 students and 300 teachers. Now in its second year, 20 more schools in Cagayan de Oro are joining in. This means thousands more children are learning how to protect themselves, their classmates, and their families when disaster strikes.

Powered by Shell, Guided by Heart

Behind this brilliant initiative is Pilipinas Shell, a brand we usually associate with our vehicles, but also one with a deep commitment to community and education.

As Serge Bernal, Shell Pilipinas Vice President for Corporate Relations, puts it:

“By empowering children with the knowledge and skills to navigate challenging situations, we can foster resilience within communities.”

And from one mom to another—that’s something we can fully get behind.

Why Moms Are Saying Yes to MOD

As parents, we want our kids to be prepared for the real world. But how do we teach something as big and scary as disaster preparedness?

Here’s how: through play, through teamwork, and through experiences that don’t scare, but empower. That’s what MOD is all about.

So, if your child’s school is rolling out this program, know that it’s more than just “playtime.” It’s life-saving learning disguised as fun.

Because when our kids are prepared, we feel more secure, too.

A Safer Future, One Game at a Time

With efforts like this, our kids aren’t just memorizing safety drills—they’re becoming thoughtful, brave, and community-minded individuals.

And isn’t that exactly what we hope for as moms?

So here’s to raising smart, strong, and prepared little heroes one game, one lesson, and one day at a time.