SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian is urging national and local government agencies to prioritize the safety and welfare of children affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Gatchalian noted that under the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC), which was created by the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, agencies like the Department of Health, Department of Education, and Department of Social Welfare and Development have a mandate to ensure children’s safety, health, nutrition, and sanitation needs are met, as well as to provide psychosocial support and prompt resumption of classes.

The DepEd reports that more than 18.6 million learners across 35,973 schools were impacted by the typhoon. A total of 223 classrooms were destroyed and 415 partially damaged, with infrastructure damage estimated at P765 million—P557.5 million needed for reconstruction and P207.5 million for major repairs.

“Malinaw sa datos at sa ating karanasan na sa panahon ng kalamidad, humaharap sa matinding panganib ang mga kabataan. Dahil dito, mahalagang bigyan natin ng prayoridad ang kanilang kaligtasan at kapakanan, kabilang ang ligtas na pagpapatuloy ng edukasyon,” Gatchalian emphasized.

He also expressed optimism for the signing of Senate Bill No. 2451, or the Ligtas Pinoy Center Act, which he co-authored. The bill seeks to establish child-friendly evacuation centers in every city and municipality to avoid using classrooms as temporary shelters.