In the wake of the devastating rains brought about by tropical cyclones "Crising," "Dante," and "Emong," as well as the southwest monsoon (habagat), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) delivered lifesaving supplies to children and families affected.
The UN children’s agency said it is currently assessing the situation on the ground to help and prioritize assistance to local government units requiring further support.
It also provided over 100 boxes of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and 80 breastfeeding kits to the Ilocos, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa regions.
RUTF, a nutrient-rich, energy-dense paste made from peanuts, sugar, milk powder, oil, vitamins, and minerals, has been instrumental in treating millions of children suffering from severe wasting — the most life-threatening form of undernutrition.
Breastfeeding kits are intended to help lactating mothers with supplies such as breastmilk containers, feeding cups, towels, and information materials.
UNICEF expressed deep concern for the welfare of children, particularly in ensuring their continued access to essential services such as health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, and protection, noting that children are at heightened risk for water- and vector-borne diseases such as diarrhea, dengue, and leptospirosis.
Those with preexisting conditions such as wasting are especially vulnerable and may experience rapid deterioration, potentially leading to death, UNICEF pointed out.
“Children continue to pay the heavy price from climate shocks that threaten their well-being. Extreme weather events set them further back in their safety, learning, and development," UNICEF Philippines Acting Representative Edgar Donoso Paz said.
"We stand ready to support the emergency response, but we call on everyone to go beyond reducing the effects of emissions that cause climate change," he added.
Paz also emphasized the need to ramp up preparedness efforts as the rainy season has just begun, and more typhoons are expected this year.
"We must also focus on adaptation to manage its impacts and empower children with skills needed for a climate-changed world,” he continued.
Over 15,000 public schools have been affected, and around 270 are being used as evacuation centers.
Based on the latest National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council data, the recent weather disturbances have so far affected over 7.5 million Filipinos in 17 regions.