World Vision Philippines Lauds the Passage of the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act

Manila, Philippines, July 06, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Humanitarian organization World Vision lauds the passage of the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, a new law that protects children affected by disasters signed by President Aquino on May 18, Wednesday.

Also known as Republic Act No. 10821, the new legislation creates a comprehensive plan to strengthen the protection of children, recognizing that they are "most vulnerable" in times of disasters.

“The signing of the Children in Emergencies law is a dream come true for child-focused groups like us. We rejoice along with other advocates who actively campaigned for this law following Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in 2013,” shared Kathrine Yee, World Vision advocacy manager, who was also present in the ceremonial signing.

The Philippines, which averages more than 20 typhoons yearly, is considered the third most disaster-prone country in the world. Disasters, natural or human-induced, place a tremendous burden on children and their families.

Children’s calls

Angelito, elementary student from Tacloban laments how typhoons affect his education. He asks an important question: “What must be done so that our schools will no longer have to be used as evacuation centers whenever typhoons strike?”

World Vision upholds the five declarations of the Children for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management charter including that all schools should be safe and classes must not be interrupted during disasters.

Through a document dubbed the “children’s agenda,” child leaders from all over the Philippines expressed their aspirations and calls for decision-makers on disaster management which include strengthening disaster preparedness in hazard-prone areas, installing early warning systems and constructing resilient evacuation centers in every barangay to avoid using schools as evacuation sites.

As a child-focused humanitarian organization, World Vision is committed to making the well-being of children a top priority, ensuring that children are protected, participating and cared for before, during and after emergencies.

"Children have a stake in building community resilience. And it is our duty to equip them with life-saving skills on how to reduce risks as well as prepare and respond to disasters with well-informed decisions that will protect themselves and their community,” Yee added.