The psychosocial well-being of children is always a top priority of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as they are the most vulnerable among those displaced by typhoons, forcing them to seek temporary shelter in evacuation centers along with their parents and relatives.
Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the DSWD’s Field Office – CALABARZON initiated recreational activities on Monday (November 10) at the municipal gymnasium in Mauban town, one of the designated evacuation centers in Quezon province due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon ‘Uwan.’
“Tinitiyak ng DSWD na may pagkakataon ang mga bata na maglaro, makipag-salamuha sa kapwa nila, at maipahayag ang kanilang nararamdaman. Kasing halaga ito ng pagbibigay sa kanila ng pagkain at ligtas na matutuluyan sa ganitong panahon,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said on Tuesday (November 11).
According to the DRMG assistant secretary, children participated in games, art sessions, and storytelling activities, creating a safe and supportive environment amid the ongoing disaster.
Every evacuation center should include spaces that are friendly to women and children as they are among the most vulnerable, said the DSWD spokesperson.
“Ginagawa natin ang mga recreational activities, storytelling sessions, at iba pang programa upang matulungan ang mga bata sa kanilang psychosocial well-being. Ayaw nating may maramdaman silang takot at pangamba hahang nasa loob ng evacuation centers,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
As the Vice Chair of the government’s National Disaster Response Cluster, the DSWD coordinates with local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies to ensure that families affected by disasters receive immediate assistance.
The DSWD also leads the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) efforts, overseeing the operations and management of evacuation centers to ensure the safety and well-being of all evacuees.
“Bilang lead ng CCCM, tiniyak namin na lahat ng bata at pamilya sa evacuation centers ay may sapat na pagkain, ligtas na tirahan, at pagkakataon na maipahayag ang kanilang nararamdaman. Bahagi ito ng holistic na tulong ng DSWD sa mga pinaka-bulnerable sa panahon ng sakuna,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao also said. (YADP)
