Social workers of the DSWD Field Office V facilitate play therapy as part of the psychosocial interventions provided to children evacuees affected by the armed conflict in Jovellar, Albay.

In a heartwarming gesture, recreational and educational activities were organized by the DSWD Field Office 5 – Municipal Action Team in Jovellar to provide psychological support services and relief to children and other vulnerable sectors who were displaced due to the recent armed conflict in Barangays Villa Paz and San Vicente, Jovellar, Albay, on April 11, 2024.

This initiative aimed to promote resilience and well-being among these young evacuees while demonstrating solidarity and care for those affected by the incident. Provision of Hygiene Kits was also facilitated by the team.

With the directive of Regional Director Norman S. Laurio, the Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) is providing continuous relief resource augmentation and technical assistance on camp coordination and camp management, as well as protection for internally displaced persons, to LGU counterparts operating the camp, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable sectors among the IDPs.

Furthermore, DSWD Bicol DRMD, through the Municipal Action Team of Jovellar, is also conducting monitoring of the evacuation centers. Continuous provision of psychological services is also being conducted by the agency for the affected populations. Child-friendly space and women-friendly space orientation and activities for the children and women IDPs were also established inside evacuation centers.

Currently, due to ongoing security concerns and operations by government troops in the area, 99 affected families, including vulnerable sectors such as 130 children, 45 senior citizens, 12 persons with disabilities, 4 pregnant women, and 9 lactating mothers, remain displaced and are still seeking refuge in evacuation centers across 2 barangays.

In total, DSWD FO V was able to provide relief assistance amounting to PHP 666,025.80 to the affected population of the incident.###