Mechanism needed to protect children from climate change ill effects
by Amor Saludar
CEBU CITY December 24 (PIA) -- After the cruel attack of Typhoon Sendong that left almost a thousand Filipinos lifeless including children, a need to create mechanism that would protect children from the ill effects of climate change like typhoons was suggested.
Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, is now lobbying for the fast track move of the government to intensify existing efforts that aimed to protect children against disasters. At the same time recognize the important role of the youth in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation efforts.
The aftermath of Typhoon Sendong that hit Northern and Western Mindanao last week reported about 43,000 children affected which are now housed in evacuation centers.
This just proves that children are very vulnerable to climate change specifically typhoons, according to Legarda.
"Every time disaster occurs, the impact on children is more likely to be greater because aside from being unable to immediately respond to natural hazards, they are also vulnerable to the aftermath of disasters, including the outbreak of diseases, lack of food, potable water and shelter," Legarda said.
According to the Senator, a UNICEF Study in 2011 concluded that with their physical make-up, Filipino children are less able to adapt to climate-related changes. These make Filipino children very prone to contracting diseases or be injured or killed during disasters like heavy rains and floods brought about by climate change, Legarda added.
“The flashflood that hit Davao City in July killed 30 individuals, of which 17 were children and infants. Meanwhile, Typhoon Pedring in September caused the death of 83 people, 39 of which were children” the senator stressed.
"Schools are critical public infrastructures that serve as second home to our children and emergency refuge in times of disaster. Aside from ensuring safe physical structure, schools must have disaster preparedness and contingency plans so that students will survive and continue their schooling in the aftermath of disasters," she added.
Legarda concluded that while we will protect our youth from the ill effects of climate change by building a safe community, it is also best to instill in their young minds the importance of being prepared when hazards strikes by exposing them to disaster preparedness activities. (FCR/AS/PIA-CEBU)