Child-focused aid organization
World Vision started its relief operations early this month in the war-torn Marawi
City, where more than 200,000 people were left homeless.
“We have started
distributing relief items to at least 1,000 families today. It is heart breaking
and heart-warming at the same time but knowing that there are people standing
with them brings them so much hope and comfort,” said Word Vision associate director
for operations Jocelyn Mariscal.
The relief items
include hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, undergarment for men and women,
bath soap, laundry soap, sanitary pads, nail cutter, malong or tube skirt) and
non-food items like blanket, mosquito net and plastic mat. The distribution
catered to those who are in evacuation centers and the home-based (those living
with relatives) internally displaced families in Sta. Elena, Iligan City.
The clash started on
May 23 after the Philippine Army conducted a raid operation in Marawi City
where an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader was hiding. The government forces were
met by gunfire coming from ASG’s local armed allies the Bangsamoro Islamic
Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Maute group. This escalated to a massive firefight
causing 175 deaths and displacing thousands of people. The still on-going clash
has also affected 132 schools and more than 22,000 school children, said
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao-Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response
Team (ARMM-HEART).
In a statement released
to the media, World Vision said it hopes to reach to at least 10,000 people or
2,000 families. In the next days, child-friendly spaces will also be set up in
two evacuation centers to provide psychological first aid to the children
affected by the conflict.
The Child Friendly
Spaces created by World Vision are designed to let the children play and have
the opportunity to interact with other children. It helps to provide an
opportunity for children to express themselves through art, play and also to
connect with other children facing similar distressing experiences.
World Vision is now in
close coordination with the Department of Education to provide 10 schools with
Temporary Learning Centres (TLCs) and 18, 000 learner’s kits for the students.
“We thank all the
donors and sponsors who have supported us in responding to the needs of the
affected children and their families. We also continue to appeal for support as
World Vision continues to work with the government and other humanitarian
actors in providing aid to the people of Marawi,” says Acting National Director
Rommel Fuerte. (PR)
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