The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency continues to be
an overwhelming challenge in the Philippines as the national government extends
the localized general and enhanced community quarantines. However, while the
government implements necessary measures to combat the spread of disease, these
have brought unintended consequences with significant impacts to children.
In a study conducted from March to April 2020 (Children’s voices in times of COVID-19[1]),
World Vision International consulted 101 children from 13 countries, including
the Philippines, to learn about their perceptions regarding the COVID-19
pandemic. The survey concluded that the main concerns for children are school
disruptions, emotional distress, and increasing poverty.
The study may be accessed here: https://www.wvi.org/publications/report/child-participation/childrens-voices-times-covid-19-continued-child-activism
Temporary school closures, although necessary for their safety
during the outbreak, deprive children of opportunities for learning and
development. Loss of livelihood due to movement restrictions leaves families
with little or no income, and dependent on government subsidy (if available to
them). These factors are also causing children emotional distress, as they cope
with the “new normal.” 71% of the children consulted by World Vision feel
lonely or isolated due to school closures. 91% of the respondents feel
emotional distress or are troubled due to isolation or social distancing, and
the uncertainty of how long the crisis will last.
It is also alarming that children are also more at risk of sexual
exploitation and abuse when quarantine measures trap them with their abusers at
home, and as a result of their families’ loss of income. In Cebu, a woman and
her live-in partner were arrested for live streaming a girl’s sexual abuse in
exchange for money. In Luzon (unidentified city/municipality), seven children
aged 7 to 14 were rescued from a cybersex trafficking den. Four of them are the
suspect’s own children. These are only two of the rescue operations that
occurred since the declaration of community quarantines.[2]
Almost two months on, World Vision Philippines continues to
deliver support for the COVID-19 emergency response. Aside from the provision
of supplies and equipment (tents for isolation areas, mobile storage units,
personal protective equipment, and disinfection kits) to hospitals and health
centers, it has distributed 33.8 tons of fresh vegetables to about 16,178
families to aid in their sustenance. As of May 14, 2020, World Vision has
reached over 3 million people through mass media, face-to-face orientation
(before the declaration of enhanced community quarantines), and distribution of
awareness materials. Moving forward, the organization will keep providing all
mentioned above, including cash transfer for 15,000 families, and will support
children’s education by developing and providing home learning materials.
Amid these ongoing response measures, World Vision recognizes the
need to call on government and other agencies to collaborate in addressing
emerging challenges that affect children.
- Ensure
social protection measures are in place for the most vulnerable by
providing families with both cash and food assistance to meet children’s
immediate basic needs.
- Promote
optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and breastfeeding during
emergencies, and support programmes that prevent micronutrient
deficiencies among children under 5 years old.
- Incorporate
mental healthcare or psychosocial support in COVID-19 response
initiatives.
- Strengthen
and maintain operations of
child protection mechanisms, such as child-friendly means of reporting and
prompt delivery of services to reported incidents of abuse.
- To
address continuity of learning, the government and the media can limit the
impact of school closures and education disruption by rolling out
child-friendly distance education methods such as TV, radio, or online
learning. It is also necessary to consider inclusive alternatives for
children who may not have access to the internet and/or electronic
devices.
- Finally, we call on
government, private sector, and non-government organizations to continue
coordination of COVID-19 response efforts, keeping children in the center
of it all.
Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, World Vision
remains optimistic that together, we can create a better and safer world for
children.
[1] World Vision International (2020).
Retrieved from https://www.wvi.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/WV-Children%E2%80%99s%20voices%20in%20the%20time%20of%20COVID-19%20Final.pdf
[2] Rappler.com (April 25, 2020).
Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/258987-trapped-with-abusers-children-rescued-from-sex-trafficker-luzon
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