With the safety and welfare of children during disasters and emergencies earmarked as a priority, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Office-2 (Cagayan Valley) trained representatives of the region’s local government units (LGUs) on the setting-up and management of Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS) in evacuation centers.
“Because of the high vulnerability of children during disasters and calamities, it is essential that we prepare our evacuation centers. By ensuring that child-friendly spaces are established, we are promoting the children’s resiliency against the negative effects of emergencies on their well-being,” DSWD Asst. Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group Irene Dumlao, who is also the agency spokesperson, said on Tuesday (July 9).
The establishment of child and women-friendly spaces is in accordance with the Republic Act. No. 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, which seeks to protect children, nursing mothers and pregnant women before, during, and after disasters, calamities or any emergency situation.
The 4-day training from July 2-5 is one of the initiatives of the DSWD Cagayan Valley Field Office this rainy season aimed at equipping the LGUs in setting up and managing CFS, and ensuring that these specialized areas meet the latest standards for child protection.
The CFS are designated areas in evacuation centers where children can engage in structured play, recreation, leisure, and learning activities in a safe and nurturing environment.
The DSWD spokesperson pointed out that CFS create an environment that support the psychosocial well-being of children by helping them cope with the trauma and disruption caused by disasters.
“These spaces are crucial in providing children with a sense of normality and continuity, allowing them to socialize, learn, and express themselves while their communities rebuild after a disaster,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao explained.
The Cagayan Valley is one of the typhoon-prone regions in the country. #