SEVEN years have passed since the government enacted Republic Act (RA) 10821 or Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act but many local government units (LGUs) still do not have a Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC) in place.
RA 10821 mandated the creation of the CEPC that should take into consideration the humanitarian standards in the protection of children. LGUs are directed to implement social protection programs to ensure the well-being of Filipino children, and pregnant and lactating mothers before, during, and after disasters and other emergency situations.
Children bear the brunt of the impact of natural calamities and disasters. When they are placed in emergency situations, their only means to survive is to depend on adults for protection and developmental needs. With Super Typhoon Betty now in the Philippine Area of Responsibility and the rainy season fast approaching, the forecasted typhoons are expected to compound the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies to millions of children and put their health, education, protection, and development at risk, especially those living in communities with limited resources and most impacted by inequality and discrimination.
To protect the rights and wellbeing of children, their families, and communities every day and in times of crisis, and help them recover immediately, we urge the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to prioritize the development and roll-out of CEPC and its localization across all 1,700 LGUs.
RA 10821 stipulates, among other things, that evacuation centers should be established; transitional shelters for orphaned, separated and unaccompanied children are established which must include gender-specific emergency latrines, bathing cubicles and hand-washing facilities designed for children; stronger measures are enforced to ensure the safety, security, and prevention of child trafficking, child labor and other forms of exploitation; and creation of a plan of action to bring affected children back to school. Immediate delivery of basic necessities and services such as access to basic health services, food, water, nutrition, medicines, clothing, sanitary and hygiene kits, and other emergency essentials should also be facilitated.
Let us protect the vulnerable. Let us protect children.
