CHILD rights group Save the Children Philippines deployed a humanitarian team to Abra province to assist families affected by the earthquake.

“Disasters such as earthquakes take a heavy toll especially to children most impacted by inequality and discrimination. We call on the full and effective implementation of the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act (RA 10821) to ensure that children, pregnant and lactating mothers, and those with disabilities, are protected from all forms of harm and continuously provided with access to basic health and nutrition services, safe spaces, transitional shelters, and psychosocial interventions,” Save the Children Philippines chief executive officer Albert Muyot said.

“Losing their homes and safe spaces due to the earthquake can be devastating for children. Our team is swiftly working on the ground to reach as many children and families as we can and bring them life-saving support,” Save the Children’s Humanitarian Manager in the Philippines Jerome Balinton said.

The group, in coordination with the local government of Abra and other partners, will provide assistance to 1,000 households which include the provision of kits for the basic necessities of families, tarpaulins for emergency shelter, jerry cans for storing potable water and hygiene kits.

Local authorities estimated that 4 million people, including children, were affected by the major earthquake.

“Access to basic hygiene materials and clean water is also critical for health, survival, and prevention of diseases, while tarpaulins for shelter and food can address their immediate needs. We are committed to help children recover from the impacts of disasters and we fervently rely on your support so we can save more children,” Balinton said.

As aftershocks continue to shake the province, Save the Children fears that thousands of affected children and their families will be displaced and that the calamity will disrupt children’s learning and put them at risk to Covid19, hunger and economic inequality.