Following the recent earthquakes in southern Mindanao, child-focused development and humanitarian agency World Vision has launched its relief operations for the affected people of Northern Cotabato, including the city of Kidapawan and the hard-hit towns of Makilala and Tulunan.
“We are committed to support the government-led response in Mindanao. World Vision in the Philippines is particularly concerned for the well-being of children,” World Vision’s national director Rommel Fuerte said.
In the morning of Oct. 16, magnitude-6.3 earthquake of tectonic origin, hit the province of North Cotabato, with the epicenter located in the town of Tulunan. Days after, another quake of greater magnitude occurred from almost the same location. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded a 6.6-magnitude earthquake, followed by another equally strong quake on Oct. 31 at 6.5 magnitude with a shallow depth of 2 kilometers which triggered more destruction and risk in the province.
Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC, Nov 5), the series of earthquakes affected about 188,583 persons or 37,716 families in Regions XI and XII. Over 28,070 persons are currently taking shelter in 32 evacuation camps.
Meanwhile, there are 1,493 more families being served outside of the evacuation centers.
“They are in a state of shock and Cotabato is going to be more susceptible to aftershocks in the coming days, according to the NDRRMC. “We are appealing to our partners and fellow Filipinos for support so that we can respond to the immediate needs of displaced children and their families. We can do more together,” Fuerte said.
At least 1,075 schools were damaged, including about 26 totally damaged. According to the Department of Education, more than three million students are affected due to suspension of classes. Today, child-friendly spaces will be set up to provide psychosocial support to help children cope from the calamity, while temporary learning spaces will also be provided in coordination with the affected schools.
Complementing the government’s massive emergency operations in the province, World Vision complements and provides non-food items such as hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), jerry cans, non-food items (mosquito net, mats and blanket), emergency shelter kit (tarp and rope), among others.
Through the support of donors, World Vision aims to initially help 1,000 families or 5,000 individuals.
