The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday expressed deep sympathy to the families of children who died during the onslaught of Typhoons Tino (Kalmaegi) and Uwan (Fung-wong) earlier this month.
“The entire DSWD family is in deep mourning with the families of the children who lost their lives in Typhoons Tino and Uwan. As a parent, I know no words can ease the grief of mothers and fathers who have lost their children. We remember these children and keep them in our prayers,” Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.
Dumlao said the tragedies serve as a reminder and a call to action for duty-bearers and communities to strengthen the implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC), established under Republic Act 10821 or the “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act.” The law mandates priority protection for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers during disasters.
She urged national and local government units to “prioritize the welfare and safety of children in every phase of disaster management — mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery,” echoing the Council for the Welfare of Children’s (CWC) call to enhance child protection measures during calamities.
The CWC earlier raised concern over the deaths of students from Mulao Elementary School in Compostela, Cebu, who were swept away by massive flooding during Typhoon Tino.
DSWD Field Office 7 has extended burial assistance of PHP 10,000 to each affected family.