The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday mourned the deaths of children who perished during the twin typhoons Tino and Uwan, calling for stronger implementation of programs meant to protect children in emergencies.

“Ang buong pamilya ng DSWD ay lubos na nakikidalamhati sa mga pamilya ng mga batang nasawi nitong mga nagdaang bagyong Tino at Uwan,” said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, head of the Disaster Management Group and spokesperson of the agency.

“As a parent, I know that no words can ease the pain felt by mothers and fathers who lost their children. Nakikibahagi kami sa pag-alala sa mga batang ito at isasama namin sila sa aming pagdarasal.”

Dumlao said the tragedies highlight the need to strengthen the implementation of the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children (CEPC), created under Republic Act 10821 or the Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act, which mandates government agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of children, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers, during disasters.

“We call on all national and local government agencies, as well as stakeholders, to prioritize the welfare and safety of children across all aspects of disaster management — mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery,” she said.

The DSWD echoed the call of its attached agency, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), which earlier urged stronger child-protection initiatives following the deaths of students from Mulao Elementary School in Compostela, Cebu during Typhoon Tino.

“This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need to prioritize child protection and safety in all disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. Children are among the most vulnerable in times of calamity,” the CWC said in a statement.

The DSWD, through Field Office VII in Central Visayas, has provided P10,000 in burial assistance to each bereaved family.