Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed deep sympathy to the families of children who died during the onslaught of Typhoons Tino (international name Kalmaegi) and Uwan (international name Fung-wong) earlier this month.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Irene Dumlao stated that the entire DSWD family is deeply mourning with the families who lost their children in the recent typhoons. Dumlao emphasized the profound grief experienced by parents and the importance of remembering the children in their prayers.

Dumlao highlighted the impact of the recent typhoons as a significant reminder and a call to action for duty-bearers and the public to enhance the implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC). The CEPC, established under Republic Act 10821, mandates national and local government agencies to develop a program ensuring priority protection for children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers during disasters and emergencies.

Dumlao urged all national and local government stakeholders to prioritize children's welfare and safety in every disaster management phase, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. She also expressed support for the Council for the Welfare of Children's (CWC) call to strengthen child protection measures during calamities.

The CWC recently released a statement regarding the deaths of students from Mulao Elementary School in Compostela, Cebu, who were swept away during the massive flooding caused by Typhoon Tino. In response, DSWD Field Office 7 in Central Visayas has extended burial assistance of PHP 10,000 to each family of the students affected by the tragedy.