Plan launches $1.9 million program to help children in the Philippines
Plan has launched a US$1.9 million appeal to help children and families affected by the typhoons in the Philippines.
Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines at full strength on 26 September, bringing with it terrible flooding, wind damage, and landslides. Many areas of metro Manila and Luzon are still isolated due to pooled water, washed-out roadways and destroyed bridges. The typhoon is reported to have affected more than 4 million people, including damaging more than 39,000 houses and 419 schools.
In coordination with the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), which is concentrating on providing food and other basic necessities among affected populations, Plan will focus on reopening schools and ensuring that children are able to return to schooling as soon as possible.
After conducting assessments in the province of Rizal, one of the worst hit areas near Manila, Plan has decided to conduct relief operations in the municipalities of Tanay District, Rodriguez District, San Mateo and Cainta Districts. In total, 75,381 elementary school children in these areas have had their education disrupted by the damage to their schools.
Plan’s proposed $1.9 million project will cover the following areas:
- education in emergencies
- food for school meals
- health care
- early childhood care and development in a box
- teacher’s packs
- school-based water, sanitation and hygiene activities
- non-food items
- psychosocial support
- Disaster Risk and Reduction capacity building in schools
Relief operations, which Plan staff and volunteers started 06 October in Tanay, began with the distribution of relief packs to school children and will expand to other areas. 
Donate now to help children and families in the Philippines!
