Save the Children Philippines is calling for urgent support to protect the most vulnerable children affected by Typhoon Kristine (international name: Trami), which has displaced over 7.3 million learners and forced the closure of 17,764 schools in Luzon.
The children most at risk include girls, children with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged communities. They face not only disrupted education but also heightened exposure to exploitation and trauma.
“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.”
The organization is emphasizing the urgency of safeguarding children as they take shelter in schools now repurposed as evacuation centers. Save the Children’s call to action comes shortly after the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), held in Manila, where young advocate Candice Espela urged government officials to prioritize school safety in disaster responses.
“We call on all governments to promote school safety by integrating disaster education and community awareness programs,” said Espela, highlighting the role children can play in fostering community resilience.
During the conference, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of local government units (LGUs) in disaster preparedness. He stressed the need for inclusive strategies, stating, “We must ensure that no one is left behind, especially children.”
Save the Children is now urging the government to accelerate the implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC) through LGUs. The CEPC, established under Republic Act 10821 or the “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act,” aims to ensure that child-friendly spaces, gender-sensitive hygiene facilities, and protections against exploitation are in place during emergencies.
The program also ensures the continuity of education and access to health services for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers during and after disasters.
As part of its response to Typhoon Kristine, Save the Children is conducting a rapid impact assessment under its #LahatDapatSafe campaign. The organization is also on standby to deliver lifesaving essentials and back-to-school kits with support from partners such as Lifestrong Marketing Inc. and FWD.
Muyot called on businesses, organizations, and individuals to pledge support ahead of emergencies to enable quicker response times. “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,” he said.
For those interested in supporting the organization’s emergency efforts, Save the Children is encouraging donations and partnerships to ensure that displaced children receive the help they need.
