THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office 6 is calling Local Government Units (LGUs) to engage children in disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation activities.

“It is our job to put them in the circle of not only as individuals who get protection but also have role in decision-making. Since they see things in their own eyes, we might forget or oversee things which are very basic and important to them,” said Susan Mogato of DSWD6.

Mogato was guest during the forum on “Strengthening Children’s Participation in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation with Local Government Units,” conducted by Save the Children and the Bata Muna Network-Panay in Iloilo City earlier today.

“Disaster Preparedness and Climate Change adaption are both arena which usually exclude children. It has always been a presumption that they are children—they are the ones who need protection. It was only in recent times when we have realized the value of children in disaster preparedness and climate change,” said Mogato.

Mogato said that for the part of DSWD, it continus in advocating for the activation of LCPC (Local Council for the Protection of Children).

“We urge LGUs to ensure the representation of children in all endeavors. Usually, it is the children who could best understand their fellow children,” she said.

She shared that the agency has started including hygiene kits, brassiers and underwears in providing relief augmentation to LGUs.

“Also, we continue in advocating for LGUs to purchase flashlights and whistles as part of disaster preparedness. These would also be beneficial particularly for girl children for their protection,” she added.

“Another example is ensuring that there are play areas in evacuation centers, there are separate comfort rooms for girls and boys, among others,” she further said./dswd6/May Rago-Castillo