The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Field Offices 6-Western Visayas and 7- Central Visayas deployed psychosocial first aid responders to help children and other vulnerable individuals cope with the trauma caused by the recent restiveness of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island.
In La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, DSWD FO-6, in coordination with the local government unit (LGU), conducted story-telling activities for children who are temporarily staying at the evacuation centers.
“The trauma caused by Mt. Kanlaon eruption and any other disaster, especially among young children, can have long-term effects. Through these story-telling sessions and other psychosocial interventions, we aim to create a safe space where children feel supported and cared for,” Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Friday (December 13).
In Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, the DSWD FO-7 deployed its City Action Team(CAT) to assist the LGU in psychosocial activities for children who are currently staying at the Macario Española Memorial School.
“These interventions, such as art and play therapy, serve as a creative outlet for children to express their feelings, reduce anxiety, and build resilience during this challenging time,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said.
Based on the latest Disaster Response Operations Management, Information and Communication (DROMIC) report, there are 4,456 families or 15,026 persons currently taking temporary shelter in the 27 evacuation centers in Regions 6 and 7.
Of this figure, 1,184 belonged to the age group of 0-17.
As of press time, the DSWD has provided, through the LGUs, more than Php10.74 million worth of humanitarian aid to families affected by the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.
