The Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) staff of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 organize activities in Canlaon City evacuation centers to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

These activities include card-making, storytelling, film screenings, and Zumba classes to keep the IDPs engaged and help them cope with the stress resulting from the eruption of Mt. Kanlaon.

Rosemarie S. Salazar, the QRT Action Officer, emphasizes the importance of these activities in helping the IDPs process their feelings and emotions.  “The activities conducted inside the camps are crucial as the IDPs have different coping mechanisms based on the degree of trauma they have experienced and will be the basis also if there are IDPs need further assessment,” says Salazar.

The DSWD-CCCM has partnered with agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH) to conduct sessions on Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH), which teach IDPs how to maintain cleanliness in their living areas. Additionally, couples and families undergo family planning sessions during this crisis.

During one of the psychosocial sessions focused on marriage and family challenges, several husbands mentioned that the discussions were helpful. They expressed that living in the camp requires significant adjustments for their families, particularly for the couples.

The DSWD-CCCM and the local government unit (LGU) are collaborating closely to address the specific needs of the IDPs living in the camps. ###

(64) Views