October 23, 2024, Luzon, Philippines – As Typhoon Kristine (international name: Trami) continues to batter Luzon, children are left seeking shelter in schools now repurposed as evacuation centers, their education and safety hanging in the balance.
Particularly at risk are girls, children with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged communities, facing not only disrupted learning but also exposure to exploitation and trauma. With over 7.3 million learners displaced and 17,764 schools closed, the storm threatens to upend their futures unless urgent action is taken.
“Children are always the most vulnerable during disasters,” said Atty. Alberto Muyot, CEO of Save the Children Philippines. “When education is interrupted, their entire future is at risk. We need swift and decisive action to protect these children and prevent long-term consequences to their development.”
During the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) held in Manila last week, Save the Children young advocate Candice Espela urged ministers to prioritize children in disasters. “We call on all governments to promote school safety by integrating disaster education and community awareness programs,” she said, emphasizing the role children play in building community resilience.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., in his APMCDRR speech, stressed the crucial role of local government units (LGUs) in disaster preparedness and called for inclusive strategies. “We must ensure that no one is left behind, especially children,” Marcos said. Save the Children echoes this call, urging the government to accelerate the implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children through LGUs, ensuring children’s safety and education continuity during crises.
Under Republic Act 10821 “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act,” LGUs should adopt the CEPC which will establish child-friendly spaces, gender-sensitive hygiene facilities, and protections against exploitation. It ensures education continuity, health services, and rapid assistance to safeguard children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in before, during, and after emergencies.
Save the Children Philippines is conducting rapid impact assessment under its #LahatDapatSafe campaign, to assess the situation and needs of children and families affected by Typhoon Kristine. Save the Children is also on standby to deliver lifesaving essentials and back to school kits with the support of partners such as Lifestrong Marketing Inc., and FWD. Their pledges allow Save the Children to respond immediately within 72 hours from the onset of the emergency.
“We call on companies, groups, and individuals to pledge ahead of emergencies to enable timely emergency responses,” Muyot added. “When children are most vulnerable, we are the first to respond and the last to leave. Together, we can build a future where every child is safe and protected—Lahat Dapat Safe.”
Time is of the essence. Your support today ensures that children receive the help they need. For more information, contact: corporateteam.ph@savethechildren.org.
