VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) -- The island province of Catanduanes is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the country.
As one of the usual entry points of typhoons, its residents, most especially children, struggle with anxiety and depression in the aftermath of every storm.
To help children cope with stressors and mental health risks, the municipal governments of Virac, Caramoan and San Miguel have teamed up with Educo Philippines and the Department of Education to introduce disaster preparedness and awareness lessons in daycare centers as well as in schools.
“We see the need to strengthen government efforts to address this issue, so we are here to complement what the government is doing,” Educo Philippines Country Director Gemma Castillo-Goliat told the Philippine Information Agency.
Representatives of municipal governments of Virac, Caramoan and San Miguel and Educo Philippines as well as the Department of Education gather to launch a project that will introduce disaster preparedness and awareness lessons in daycare centers and schools to help children cope with stressors and mental health risks in the aftermath of every storm. (EABagadiong)
“These strategies will complement the current strategies to capacitate our children on preparing and responding to disaster situations,” Gov. Joseph Cua said during the launching last Wednesday, January 24.
Catanduanes is an island located on the eastern coast of the Bicol region.
It is dubbed the "Land of the Howling Winds" as its location within the typhoon belt makes Catanduanes prone to typhoons and their associated hazards.
The vulnerability of those living there is increased due to their reliance on agriculture as cash crops can be easily destroyed during disasters. (PIA5/Catanduanes)
