Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday, July 6 urged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and local government units (LGUs) to ensure timely provision of basic necessities and other services to evacuees who are affected by the Taal Volcano’s recent episodes of unrest.

Gatchalian pointed out residents of Taal face the combined threats of the COVID-19 and a possible explosive volcanic eruption.

Aside from establishing child-friendly spaces, the senator said food, water, nutrition, medicines, sanitary and hygiene kits, as well as psychosocial interventions and other items needed for emergency situations are always at hand.

However, the senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, said he is mostly concerned over the welfare and safety of the minors amid evacuation efforts.

The lawmaker recalled at least 124,000 children were displaced when the Taal Volcano erupted in 2020, citing records of Save the Children, a non-government organization.

He pointed out that children, especially young girls, are vulnerable to abuse and exploitation in times of calamities.

“Now that our youth are facing two dangers—the pandemic and the possible explosion of Taal Volcano—we need to make sure they are safe against any illnesses and at the same time, protected against any possible abuses,” Gatchalian said.

He stressed the provision of these necessities and services are mandated by Republic Act No. 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act.

The law also mandates heightened comprehensive measures and monitoring to prevent all forms of domestic and sexual violence in areas under a state of calamity.

“The law mandates the DSWD to formulate a Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC), which should be used as the basis for handling disasters and other emergency situations to protect and support the immediate recovery of children and pregnant and lactating mothers,” he said.