MANILA, Philippines — Reelectionist Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday urged several government agencies to uphold the safety and welfare of children in areas ravaged by Typhoon Odette.
Odette, the strongest typhoon to sweep across the Philippines this year, left 258 reported dead and 568 injured, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. The NDRRMC is still validating most of these reports.
Related Stories
Around 15 million learners in 35,698 schools were affected by the recent typhoon and 671 schools are being used as evacuation centers, Department of Education figures show.
Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate basic education committee, urged the departments of health, welfare, and education to provide child-friendly spaces to those affected by the typhoon.
In addition to this, he stressed the importance of providing for children's health, nutrition, and psychosocial needs, as well as sanitation kits to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
"Many young people today face the combined risk posed by the pandemic and damage of Typhoon Odette," Gatchalian said in Filipino. "It is important that we focus on their needs when it comes to health and safety, including the safe continuation of their education and other services."
DepEd told: Ensure resumption of education services
Gatchalian also called on the Department of Education to make sure that rehabilitation efforts are focused on the resumption of education services.
He stressed that with the resumption of in-person classes scheduled for January next year, the safety of schools in Odette-hit areas should be prioritized.
Gatchalian added that under the 2021 budget, P2 billion is allotted to DepEd's Quick Response Fund which serves as a stand-by fund for the replacement, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or repair of school buildings and facilities.
He said the QRF may also be used for the printing and reproduction of damaged learning modules and materials.
Gatchalian in 2019 filed Senate Bill No. 747 or the Evacuation Center Act which aims to construct a permanent evacuation center in every city and municipality to curb the repurposing of schools amid disasters.
Gatchalian also introduced Senate Bill No. 1565 or the Education in the New Normal Act which aims to strengthen education in times of crisis. The proposed measure intends to guide the reopening of public and private basic education institutions in the event of natural disasters, public health emergencies, civil disturbance, or other crises that cause courses to be disrupted.
Both bills are still pending at the committee level.