ChildFund Philippines fortifies its position as DepEd’s Emergency Response partner

ChildFund Philippines solidifies its role as an esteemed partner of the Department of Education (DepEd) in emergency response initiatives. In the recently released Disaster Risk Reduction Management Services (DRRMS) Terminal Report in February 2023, DepEd acknowledged ChildFund Philippines as a significant contributor in the Education Cluster’s emergency response efforts, specifically for communities devastated by Super Typhoon Karding (internationally known as Noru) in September 2022 and Typhoon Paeng (internationally known as Nalgae) in November 2022.

Working in collaboration with REINA Federation of Parents Association and Ha Uman Association, Inc., ChildFund Philippines engaged in the distribution of learner and teacher kits, rendering Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) to learners, teachers, and parents, and providing MHPSS Training of Trainers (ToT) to frontliners, educators, and community leaders in affected areas of Quezon province and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Karding, ChildFund Philippines swiftly initiated the MHPSS program in Burdeos, where forty-seven frontline service providers, including guidance counselors, teachers, child development workers, and local government unit representatives, underwent ToT. This comprehensive training equipped them to conduct MHPSS sessions for children, parents, and community members, aiding in their recovery and reinforcing the significance of education during challenging times.

Similarly, the MHPSS program and Psychological First Aid (PFA) training extended support to educators in the municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat and Upi in Maguindanao del Norte, severely impacted by flash floods and landslides caused by Typhoon Paeng’s torrential rains in October 2022. Teachers who underwent the program were then able to train others in neighboring areas, fostering a supportive network to aid in the recovery process.

It is worth noting that the towns of Burdeos, Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Upi are not part of ChildFund Philippines’ regular program-supported areas. Nonetheless, the organization consistently provides assistance even to non-program areas, as an official development partner of DepEd DRMSS, actively contributing to disaster relief efforts nationwide.

ChildFund Philippines complements and supplements the resources of the Department of Education during disasters. Their aim is to provide support that empowers local government agencies and partner schools with the necessary skills to offer MHPSS sessions, thus enabling children and individuals to cope with emotional and mental stress effectively.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support plays a critical role in nurturing emotional well-being and helping individuals cope with the challenges brought about by disasters. It encompasses various activities such as counseling services, equipping individuals with coping strategies, promoting self-care practices, establishing supportive community groups, and raising awareness about mental health issues to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help.

ChildFund Philippines recognizes that education in emergencies is crucial, as disasters disrupt children’s learning and development. Childhood is a vital period for supporting the optimal growth of young individuals, and providing a safe space for learning ensures that children affected by adversities can continue their education.

The organization emphasizes the importance of partnerships with local civil society organizations (CSOs) in disaster-prone communities, enabling them to respond promptly and effectively to humanitarian crises in the Philippines. By providing emergency assistance and education support to children and families in need, ChildFund not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the foundation for long-term recovery and resilience-building efforts.

ChildFund’s national and global strategies prioritize the well-being of children, especially those facing poverty and disadvantage. In the Philippines and other countries, their mission revolves around promoting safety, health, and education, with a strong emphasis on emergency response and education during crises.