Three million children affected by Mindanao earthquakes: Save the Children deploys rapid response team to meet the needs of communities

AN estimated 3.2 million children have been affected by at least five powerful earthquakes in the southern Philippines over the past three weeks, with two strong quakes recorded just today. More than 180 classrooms have been completely destroyed, according to the government. Thousands of people have been made homeless.

Save the Children Philippines has deployed an assessment team in North Cotabato and Davao del Sur following a magnitude 6.6 earthquake that hit the town of Tulunan, after the second strong temblor that jolted parts of Mindanao in weeks.

Atty. Alberto Muyot, chief executive officer of Save the Children said that most children affected live in the conflict and marginalized areas in in Region XI, Region XII, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Based on figures from the Department of Education, a total of 3.2 Million learners were affected by the magnitude 6.6 strong earthquake as they suffer from psychosocial stress, miss out on school due to damaged classrooms, and being displaced from their homes. These children live in the conflict affected areas in BARMM, Davao, and SOCCSKSARGEN regions.

“The group is ready to set up temporary classrooms so children don’t miss out on school. These learning spaces provide much needed respite for children, some of whom may have lost everything, and provide a safe space for them to play and receive support,” said Muyot. It will also set up child-friendly spaces (CFS) to provide psychological first aid to children who suffer from psychosocial stress.

Save the Children has reached out to corporate and individual donors to send cash donations to help scale up its assistance to children and their families affected by earthquakes. Follow SAVE THE CHILDREN PHILIPPINES ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Website: www.savethechildren. org | Facebook: SavetheChildrenPH, Instagram: savethechildrenph | Twitter: SaveChildrenPH