VP Duterte offers stress debriefing services for children affected by Mindanao quake
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte announced that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) will coordinate with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the stress debriefing for children affected by the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that jolted parts of Mindanao late Saturday night, Dec. 2.
Local officials of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Caraga (Region 13) conduct an assessment on the damage left by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur on Dec. 2, 2023. (Photo from OCD Caraga)
In a video message posted on Facebook, the official also said that blended learning would be conducted in areas affected by the quake.
“Mahalagang matiyak na ligtas kayo sa panganib at natutugunan ang iyong mga agarang pangangailangan, lalo na ang mga pangangailangan ng mga bata at matatanda (It’s important to ensure that you are all safe from danger and your immediate needs are provided for, especially the needs of children and the elderly),” she said in Bisaya.
The Vice President assured that the OVP will work together with the DOH and the DSWD in conducting stress debriefing for children who are experiencing anxiety in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Initially, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) registered the quake at 6.9 magnitude but this was updated to 7.4 striking off Surigao del Sur.
The powerful quake also forced people near coastal areas to move to higher ground or further inland due to the tsunami warning that was eventually lifted Sunday morning.
Reports said at least one person died and four others were injured. The casualty was a pregnant woman who was hit by a collapsed wall in Tagum City.
The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 529 families representing 2647 individuals were affected by the quake.