FLOODED. The Lumbang East National High School in Romblon province is flooded due to heavy rains dumped by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (Trami) on Wednesday (Oct. 23, 2024). Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday (Oct. 25) urged the government to ensure the safety and well-being of children affected by the storm. (Photo courtesy of DepEd)
National government agencies and local government units must ensure the safety and welfare of children affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian issued the statement on Friday in response to the Department of Education’s report that over 18.6 million learners in 35,973 schools were affected.
The DepEd also said 223 classrooms were totally destroyed by the storm that mostly hit Luzon, particularly the Bicol Region.
Gatchalian said based on news reports, latest data from DepEd indicated infrastructure damage amounted to PHP765 million.
“Dahil dito, mahalagang bigyan natin ng prayoridad ang kanilang kaligtasan at kapakanan, kabilang ang ligtas na pagpapatuloy ng edukasyon, sa gitna ng pananalasa ng bagyo at sa ating pagbangon mula sa pinsala ng kalamidad (Because of this, it is important that we prioritize their safety and well-being, including the safe continuation of education, amid the onslaught of the storm and as we recover from the damage of the disaster),” he said in a news release.
Gatchalian said under the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children, which was created by the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act (Republic Act 10821), government agencies like the Department of Health, DepEd, and Department of Social Welfare and Development are mandated to ensure that children are in safe spaces; that their health, nutrition, and sanitation needs are met; that they receive psychosocial support; and that classes resume promptly.
Gatchalian said he looks forward to the signing into law of the Ligtas Pinoy (Safe Filipino) Centers Act (Senate Bill No. 2451) into law.
The proposed law seeks to establish an evacuation center in every city and municipality that will end the practice of using classrooms as evacuation sites.
Under the bill which was passed on second reading on Sept. 18, women and child-friendly spaces should be among the facilities of evacuation centers. (PNA)
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