KEY INFORMANTS: FGD and INTERVIEW

INTRODUCTION
The Key Informants in this study The Children On the Move were also
clustered to represent the different transitional centres and groups who have been
involved in the circumstantial movement of children from their original habitat to new
locations.
Table l. Distribution of Key Informants
Cluster
Sector Represented
A
13 Bunkhouse Leaders: Brgy. 62, Sagkahan, Tacloban
2 Representatives of the City DRRM

City &

7 Leaders of the Transitional Centers: Northern Barangays,

Tacloban City;
3 Govt. Sector Representatives: CSWD,CHCDO & PNP-WCDO

13 Transitional Shelter Leaders: Brgy. 89, 90 & 110, Tacloban

1 Social Worker Intern (Leyte Normal University)
1 NGO Officer (Christian Relief Service-Assigned)

Total

n
15
10

15
40

Cluster A- KIs were 15 representatives of the Bunkhouses in Sagkahan,

Tacloban City and the City DRRM; 13 leaders and 2 others: EVSU school nurse and the
Head of the Student Services. Cluster B

were ten (10) Key Informants: seven (7)

Leaders of the Transitional Shelter at the Northern Barangays of Tacloban City, Three(3)
Government Officers: PNP-WCDO, CSWD AND CHCDO. Cluster C KIs were thirteen
(13) community active workers that includes; Barangay Health Workers, Barangay
Officials and parent leaders, and (2) two representatives

from public and private

agencies who are assigned at the transitional centers of Barangays 89 and 90 in San
Jose, Tacloban City and Brgy. 110 Utap, Tacloban.

The KIs from the transitional centers participated in the focus-group discussions
scheduled with them. Other representatives were contacted and given the interview
schedule; however, they were also asked of some clarifications.

Table 2. Distribution of KIs by Age

GE
51 above
46 - 50
41 - 45
36 -40
31 - 35
26 - 30
25 below
TOTAL

CLUSTER
B

4
3
2
5
1

3
4
2
1
10

15

TOTAL
C
3
4
1
2
3
1
1
15

n
3
11
4
8
8
4
2
40

%
7.5
27.5
10.0
20.0
20.0
10.0
5.0
100.0

In the table about one third of the KIs (35%) are aged 46 and above while about forty
percent (40%) are 31-40 years old.

Table 3. Distribution of KIs by Sex

AGE
Male
Female
TOTAL

A
4
11
15

CLUSTER
B
3
7
10

TOTAL
C
1
14
15

8
32
40

20.0
80.0
100.0

In the table, 80% are mostly females. The picture reflected in the table shows
that females are active in assisting their families and communities.

Table 4. Distribution of KIs by Civil Status

STATUS

15

CLUSTER
B
3
7

15

10

Single
Married
Separated
Live-in
TOTAL

TOTAL
C
1
12
1
1
15

n
4
34
1
1
40

%
10.0
85.0
2.5
2.5
100.0

The table shows that the respondents are mostly married (85.00) showing their utmost
concern about children while the single respondents got only the percentage of (10.0).

Table 4. Distribution of KIs by Educational Status

LEVEL
College Graduate
College
High School
Graduate
High School
Elementary
Graduate
Elementary
No Response
TOTAL

A
2
3
7

CLUSTER
B
5
2
1

TOTAL
C
2
6
3

n
9
11
11

%
22.5
27.5

15.0

15

1
10

1
1
15

1
2
40

2.5
5.0
100.0

The table shows that most of the respondents are at their college level, with the percentage of
(27.5) while the lowest is at their elementary level with a percentage of (5.0).

Table 5. Distribution of KIs by Estimated Monthly Income

LEVEL
10,000 above
9,999 8,000
7,999 6,000
5,999 4,000
3,999 2,000
1,999 1,000
1,000 below
None
No Response
TOTAL

CLUSTER
B
3

N
3

%
7.5

2.5

1
7
2

10

4
15

6
10
9
4
7
40

15.0
25.0
22.5
10.0
17.5
100.0

5
3
4
3
15

TOTAL

There were ten (10) or 25 % of the KIs have estimated monthly income between Ph1,
000.00 to 1,999.00 while 9 or 22.5% have below 1,000.00 income, about 15% has between
Ph2000.00 3,999.00 and a considerable percentage (27.5%) have not estimated their monthly
income.
The table shows that these representatives of the families at the transitional shelters and
victims of the typhoon have irregular and insufficient income. This further confirm the situation
and their families who have to be assisted at this stage of recovery from the effects of typhoon.

The leaders at the transitional shelters perform tasks as:

a. Committee on Livelihood- help facilitate in the livelihood trainings and
seminars; give information on livelihood availability and job vacancy;
b. Community/Activity Organizer perform religious, cultural and children and
youth programs, i.e. feeding, sports feast, workshops and other
community services.
c. Settle family troubles
d. Organize night duty or Tanod to secure the place,
e. Monitor the occupancy of the houses
f. Do survey of children aged 2-5 for Day Care
g. Pintakasi or community work: to maintain cleanliness, inspect comfort
rooms twice a week, teach children for proper garbage disposal
h. Take charge of activity related to education programs in the community.
i. Update the profile data /status of the household members of their
community.

j. Conduct health assessments and profiling of the health records to

children.
k. Serve as a parent leader to organize community activities related to parent
programs.

PART II. KEY INFORMANTS: FGD and INTERVIEW

2.1 KEY INFORMANTS CONCEPT ON CHILDREN ON THE MOVE
The Key Informants have their concepts of the children on the move as:
Displaced children who are staying in transitional shelter and bunkhouses.
(CSWD)
They are children from other communities typically termed as dayo or
(transient).
Children who were abandoned and neglected by their parents/relatives
and who committed infractions of the law; they are called Children in
Conflict with the Law(CICL).PNP-WCDO
These are children who were exposed to several abuse and violence and
were exposed to trafficking conditions.
Children who are being moved from their habitual place to a new
destination. (CHCDO)and several ideas of the shelter leaders:
The transfer of children to tents and their adaptation to the new
environment like: like water surrounded environment to mountainous one.
The children that grows and develop: go to school later will work or find
job; Children who are encouraged to go to school.

 Were the street children from the seawall of Tacloban (live along the
sea), scavengers and the rugby boys who are now engaged in other
activities in the new place which is hilly or mountainous (Northern
Barangay)
Children on the move are those children who were transferred from their
hometown (place of origin) to a new and unfamiliar place because their
place was devastated by disasters such as the super typhoon Yolanda.
Most of these Children were already orphaned and has no parents to
foster their needs because they were included in the causalities of the
typhoon. These children on the move are the ones who need more focus
and attention because they are unstable in terms of their psychological
state because they are still in the state of trauma and are emotionally
depressed.
According to barangay officials, they are children who are less fortunate
and mostly belong to the marginalized group who constantly move in
search for food and secure place to live. Sometimes these children are
exposed to violence and were used to commit crimes due to lack of
guidance from their parents. Most of these children are accused with
stealing goods and other commodities thus they constantly move from
place to place.
The children on the move as identified by the respondents were mostly
coming from their community. They were their neighbors, relatives, and
friends. Others also described them as children who are always mingling
with their peers barkada,childrens with problems at home, street

children and the out of school youth. The reasons why they move mostly
because of disasters, family problems, peer pressure, and job hunting.

2.2 NEEDS AND CONCERNS OF CHILDREN ON THE MOVE

The KKIs from the transitional shelter identify the needs and concerns of the
Children on the Move namely:
Access to health care; medicines and health personnel in nearby centers;
however, medical personnel and medicines are not available; health
center and hospitals are far; Health Care Support- According to a
barangay health worker, this is one of the vital needs of the respondent
because most of these children were severely wounded and were
exposed to several illnesses such as cold, cough, diarrhea and other fatal
diseases. According to health worker respondents, children need medical
attention, especially those who were traumatized and were emotionally
and mentally affected. As observed many children were showing mental
trauma which could lead to several mental illnesses. It was emphasized
by them that Medical clinics should be available near their shelters so that
childrens health problems can be responded immediately.
Need for permanent or regular source of livelihood, cash for work is the
only source at present. A parent respondent noted that they are afraid
that when the NGO assistance will be finished, how can they meet their
basic needs.They are asking for a sustainable livelihood program in order
to have a sustainable means to feed their children.

 Healthy and nutritious food.

There is the need for cheap and readily

available fruits and vegetables. As suggested by some of the barangay

officials. Perhaps a small market has to be established where fruits and
vegetables and other products from nearby barangay can be sold; at the
same time, the families have to be given space to plant vegetables and
raise crops and livestock .Another respondent also added that Relief food
packs should also be made healthy and nutritious and should also be
designed fitting to the bodily needs of children.
Children vacation/sports and socialization program and facilities.
Further, several Barangay Health worker (BHW) mentioned that a

Psychosocial Support is a must for the children on the move. This is very
essential to children because they were severely traumatized by their
experiences from the typhoon. Some of them cannot even sleep
especially when it rains. Some of them were scared to go to the beach
because they remember the heavy waves who washed out their family
members and their properties. This should also be followed by some
sessions of spiritual enlightenment in order for the children to be guided
properly and will be shun away from the negative vices such as smoking,
snipping rugbies and illegal drugs.
Lecture forum on the rights of children and some parents who maltreat
children and dont prioritize education for their children as suggested by
the government sector representatives.

 Most of the respondents highly noted the importance of Education- for them to
nurture their knowledge. This is very essential according to the respondents
because this is where moral values are formed to mold them as good citizens in
the community. Enough School supplies should be given to them so that they will
be motivated and can be able to fully participate in their scholastic activities.

School bags; transport children to the school; is necessary to be given to

community to and from school. There is no alternative school to go to.
wala at medyo malayo ang paaralan na puede at mapagpipilian na
gusting eskwelahan,
According to police officers, there is a need for a Police Station. There
should be Protection and Child Care-they need serious protection in
order for these children not to fall victims from bad people who will take
advantage of them. They need care and attention because most of them
feel alone and hopeless because of the loss of their family members.
More police officers should also be visible at the shelters to monitor the
concerns of parents and children. The barangay should also mechanize
their barangay protection program for children.
Transportation support-The respondents emphasized that there should
be available and free means of transportation in times of calamity so that
they can travel safely to their destination.
They need foster parents- Immediate foster parents are necessary to
take care of these children who lost their family members, and will accept
them and will give them their needs in order for them to continue living
normal lives.(DSWD intern)

 Cash Assistance-A parent leader mentioned that programs like this will
make children have an easy and quick access for sufficient financial
support to meet their basic needs. Though such program should only be
temporary until such time that their parents can be able to sustain their
needs through a sustainable means of living.
Clothes-Health workers mentioned that children need clean and dry
clothes that will protect them from the harms of the environment such as
the cold and even insect bites. Clothes for them are essential to uphold
their sense decency. They noted that what should be given to children are
those who are fit to their age.
Skills Training-A barangay official once said that some children also need
basic livelihood training so that they can assist their parents in looking for
a better living. Though this should not hinder their education. They noted
that some children who are old enough should also be taught on how to
make simple enterprising opportunities so that they will also be trained to
earn.
Safe and sanitary water was also emphasized especially during after the
calamity. These are essentials that should be provided. This should be
safe and clean because after the typhoon it was really difficult because no
clean water source is available. They were all dirty and salty. Containers
should also be necessary including those treatment solutions to purify the
water
Emergency drills-A respondent suggested that children should also be
trained on what to do during calamities such as typhoon. What are some

survival tips and what to do during a storm surges. Proper orientation

about storm surges should also be done.
They need foster care-people should give these children enough care
with love, respect and proper guidance so that those who were
abandoned by their parents can at least regain their psychosocial
confidence and will possibly gain their normal lives.
Friendly spaces were also emphasized by the respondents where
children can play and express their thoughts and emotions freely. Child
friendly spaces are necessary in order for them to slowly recover from
their traumatic experience. Day care centers should be rebuilt including
children play grounds so that they can again go back to socialize with
other children in the community. According to a respondent this could be a
good place for the children to heal their trauma.
2.3 CIRCUMSTANCES OF THEIR MOVEMENT FROM PLACE OF ORIGIN, INTRANSIT AND THEIR DESTINATION
PLACE OF ORIGIN
Generally, as observed by the KIs the childrens place of origin were in
semi-stable condition, even though most of them were in poor conditions but they
noted that they have enough means of living, the children were active in school,
and they were highly sociable. They have a friendly community and there was
peace among their community residence. The respondent specifically noted that
their place of origin is accessible to the various community facilities such as
school and community health centers. They also highlighted the availability of
abundant resources (aquatic and agricultural resources), wherein their family

could get their basic means of livelihood such as fishing and small scale forms of
agri-business .Before Yolanda ,they were not able to feel trauma because even
though they were living in a poor condition, they have a happy relationship with
their neighbours. Children can play anywhere. Though some of the respondents
said that before Yolanda they stayed in dilapidated houses, and were staying in
squatters area. Respondents said that most of the children were experiencing
good community life before the typhoon considering that they have good schools
and most of their family members were complete and is sufficiently providing
them with their basic necessities. They were able to receive basic services from
the local government such as food and nutrition program,

free access to

education and other recreational activities that made them highly active in the
community.
IN TRANSIT
Before the typhoon hit the Region and Tacloban City,

the City Government

ordered the families along the sea to evacuate from Brgy 88, San Jose, Tacloban City
: to the Fishermans Village Elementary School and San Jose Central School, whereby
the evacuees received relief goods.
The families at Brgy 37, Sea Wall (at the Market area) had no evacuation center;
However, they decided to move to the Fish port area and during the typhoon they
moved at the tall buildings nearby and the second floor of the public market of Tacloban,
the so-called MASA office, the extension office of the City.
After the typhoon, some of the surviving families and their children returned to
their placed of origin and built temporary or makeshift houses while others waited for

any assistance to arrive. Others, travelled by foot, severely wounded and were wearing
wet clothes looking for a place to stay in the surviving evacuation centers. Some fled to
other places such as Manila and Cebu by C130 plane to seek a place to stay with their
relatives. Others travelled by land (bus, motorcycle, army trucks etc.) and went through
the neighbouring provinces who were not severely affected by the typhoon. While in
transit, some children were also lost because of chaotic crowd of strangers, and their
parents were very busy looking after their things and looking for the food . Respondents
noted that this was one of the most stressful moments for the children because while on
travel children were crying, vomiting and restless.
After few weeks, some International agencies came and offered assistance
through barangay officials. Tents were installed for the families. The families in their
makeshift houses lived uncomfortably, both during the rainy and sunny days. It was very
hot especially during the day therefore they just stayed outside and just roam around.
They cant also sleep well because they feel that the tent is so crowded and they felt
suffocated. Sometimes rain water seeps inside the tents making the place untidy and
prone to illnesses. Other family members who stayed in evacuation centers (schools
and other public buildings such as Tacloban Astrodome) noted that place were so
crowded and dirty. The children were exposed to illnesses because of the dirty
surroundings, flies cockroaches, rats and mosquitoes infested the area, and the limited
access to comfort rooms and safe water supply were considered to be the stressful
factors. They noted that children were not able to eat properly because of the smell of
the dead bodies who were scattered just beside the area.

The families had been

dependent on relief assistance because they had nowhere to go. They had difficulty in

adjusting to the situation and they felt tired and sleepless, and most of their children got
sick. Generally the childrens life were difficult, some stopped schooling, and others
were so emotional because of the loss of their parents and family members.
CURRENT PLACE OF DESTINATION
After almost ten months, the families were transferred then to the transitional
Shelter because of the No Build Zone implementation of the City Government of
Tacloban.
Their moments to the transitional Shelter was another adjustments, however, the
stay in this new location is safer compared to their stay at the original place of origin.
Though at present they still have problems like the insufficient supply of safe water, still
muddy pathways/roads which are risky for children, health facilities are not yet fully
accessible and operational, no nearby schools for the children, and far from the City
where most of their parents sources of livelihood came from and the difficulty in
adjusting to their environments making the children hesitant to socialize due to lack of
friendly spaces where they can play and heal their trauma. Sometimes children
complained about the area because some shelters are still crowded and they feel that
they dont have enough space for privacy.
Few families have been transferred to the permanent housing unit adjacent to the
transitional shelters and by July, 2015 according to the CHCDO, the families will be
transferring to the permanent shelter.
Those families situated now at the permanent shelters are living comfortably
than when they were at the transitional shelters. This is because they feel that they

have a better and safer place to stay, particularly those who have shelters made of
concrete materials.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Place of Origin of Children on the Move were Brgy 88 which consist of different
clusters: Fishermans Village, Costa Brava, Baloc 1,Timex, Brgy. 89-90, Brgy.
Sagkahan and Barangay Magallanes,Barangay 35-A-31,60,61,88 and Pampango.

The programs, projects and services received by the children on the move from
their origin were the forced evacuation initiated by the City Government of Tacloban.
With the assistance of relief goods, used clothing, hygiene kit, and solar lamps which
were distributed to the identified evacuation canters like San Jose Elementary School
and Astrodome by the Government of Tacloban, CDRRMC, DSWD, PAG-ASA, Red
Cross, LGU, Barangay Officials. The rest of the other emergency kits were prepared by
the parents of the children. There were few services received by the children at their
place origin before they were hit by the typhoon Yolanda.

Place of Transit of Children on the Move were from: San Jose Elementary School,
Tents, Fish Port, Supermarket, Cogon San Jose, Brgy 37 Reclamation Area.
Some children on the move live with their friend and relatives and others return to
their original house.

The programs, projects and services received by the children on the move from
their place of transit as noted by the Key Informants were feeding program, relief goods,
food packs (rice, corned beef, sardines, noodles, coffee and bread), used clothing,
sleepers, modified cash assistance, hygiene/medical kit, school supplies, water purifier
and water containers, blanket, solar lamps, transportation services, psychosocial
activities, medicines, cooking utensils, Initiated by the different organizations/individuals
like

UNICEF,

Security

Bank

Foundation,

Tacloban

Fukuyama

Foundation,

OXFAM/UNHCR, UST/Makati Med., TZU CHI Foundation, UNDP, DSWD, IOM, USAID,
ACF,Red Cross, CEBU Govt, GMA,ABS-CBN, Green Mindanao, Child Fund, Save the
Children, UPA,U.S. military group, and CRS.

The Temporary and Permanent Shelters are the current place of destination of the
Children on the Move were as follows: LGU/Duplex OC, Old Kawayan Site 1 and 2,
Cali

Transitional

Shelter,IPICaibaan,NHASagkahan,AbucayShelters,Northern

Barangay Transitional Shelters,BrgyUtap (USAID/CRS shelters), Brgy 89-90

(CECI),and the OXFAM Green Mindanao Shelters.

The current programs, projects and services for the children on the move are
feeding program initiated by Makapawa, Ateneo De Davao/ADNP

and also a child

friendly spaceprovided by the Nazarene Disaster response and AdDavao/APHP, a

Psychological First Aid and Stress Debriefing facilitated by AdDavao/APHP and
Nazaren Disaster Response, Housing projects, relief goods, medical missions,
psychosocial activities were still given by the DSWD and other NGOs such as the
OXFAM, USAID, CRS, IOM, Green Mindanao, CECI, IEDA,SEA-K,ACT, Man Power,

UNICEF, GMA and NHA. Food packs through food for work are still given to the children
but are not in a regular schedule. A free registration of birth certificates by the NSO and
the City Government of Tacloban. A medical mission conducted by IOM and free shuttle
(transportation) from FM Romualdez foundation. Gardening tools were also given to the
children and their parents to encourage them to beauty their community surroundings.
Currently the CSWD is having referral services with the SOS for the kinship care
program.

CURRENT GAPS IN THE OVERALL POLICY AND RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS AND
CONCERNS OF CHILDREN ON THE MOVE.

As to the implementation of the policy, it was noted by some respondents that

there were no clear policies and programming of activities as to the distribution of
relief goods to the victims of the typhoon particularly for children.

There are some biases in terms of identifying children recipients of some of the
program, due to the lack of proper coordination and validation of recipients.
Further, they noted that some of the selected team leaders who identify the
children have favoritism .Political influence is being observed as the major factor
in the difficulty of disseminating and distributing the programs to the victims of the
typhoon.

Some of the programs such as the feeding program, and medical services are
not continuous and there is no proper evaluation on the effectivity of the
programs .

Some of the given food packs were already expired, therefore they lack proper
checking. Some of the food packs were not suitable for consumption for children
and some of them were not healthy and nutritious.

Programs for children were not

given much emphasis. There were limited

number of organizations who focused on children needs. It was observed that

children were not consulted as to the kind of services that will be given to their
family. Examples of which are the clothing given wherein children were forced to
wear uncomfortable clothes which is supposed to be worn by adults only.

Responses for the relief and medical mission were late, and inefficient to the
urgent health and medical needs for children. Further they were conducted in
selected places and were inaccessible to other children who are in need of
immediate medical attention. Information dissemination was also not widely
dispersed thus only few recipients were able to access the aforesaid opportunity.

As observed, the KI noted that there is less awareness of the community

residents on the laws of Childrens Rights and the Child Protection Policies. The
Barangay Committee on Child protection is less active and not mobilizing its
resources in enacting the child protection policy. There is a weak mechanism in
establishing safety and precautionary measures.

Lack of trainings in disaster risk preparedness particularly to children. Programs

on disaster management and prevention is not well disseminated and adopted by
other agencies and organizations in the community.

Lack of campaigns and programs on how to Respond to needs and concerns of

Children on the Move, particularly to those who were stricken by natural calamity
and disasters.

RECOMMENDATIONS

More activities and programs that will focus on the children, particularly in
the policy decision and program implementation.
There should be a standardize system and programming on how to
distribute the aids and services to the recipients so that there will be no
problems in terms of distribution and access. Children should be
prioritized as to the distribution of aids and support programs.
There should be a clear mechanisms on how to protect ,and rescue the
children on the move who are at the state of abuse and vulnerability.
A continuous, sustainable and long-term planning should be made as to
how the programs will be implemented in the area, so that significant
impacts will be measured among the beneficiaries.
Policies on Child protection and Welfare should also be mechanize so that
the needs of children were also be given with utmost priority since they
are considered to be one of the most vulnerable during calamities.
There should be safe and friendly structures made for children as a place
for their protection during calamities.

 More activities and campaigns on the children on the move so that the
community will have wider insights on its causes and risks.
Safe water supply has to be attended to immediately. Jet matic pumps or
refilling water stations need to be installed nearby the shelter to ensure
safe and clean water for the children.
The DOH or the City Health Office has to attend to the health care needs
of the children more often. Regular health programs should be made
available to the community.
The livelihood for the family members has only been started. The
International Organizations coordinate with the DSWD for the livelihood
trainings and the Trainees are given allowance so that the families are
financially assisted while they are still undertaking the training. This is to
ensure that the childrens parent can provide and sustain their basic
needs.
DepEd has to do something with the present educational status of the
children. These children perhaps feel that they are retrogressing and the
teachers have to be alert to pay attention to the challenge. Curriculums in
education should also be integrated on child protection and chid rights.

GROUP DISCUSSION: CHILDREN

INTRODUCTION
There were sixty (60) children-participants of the focus group discussion
distributed/ clustered among the transitional shelters of Tacloban City.
Table l. Distribution of Children-Participants
Cluster

22

16

22

Total

60

Transitional Shelter/ Location

Bunkhouses; IPI, NHA,
Sagkahan, Tacloban City (Brgy
62)
Northern Barangays, Tacloban
City: CALI Site, Kawayan
Duplex(BADATO Site, OC Site
1, OC Site 2)
Brgy. 89 & 90, Tacloban City &
Bgry 110, Utap, Tacloban City

Places of Origin
Old road, Sagkahan (Seaside)
Brgy 88, San Jose, Tac. &
Brgy 37, Seawall, Tacloban cITY
Brgy. 89 &
Tacloban &
Magallanes
Tacloban City

90,

San

(Shore

Jose,
side),

The families and their children from the Seaside, Old Road, Sagkahan, of
Tacloban City have been moved to the Bunkhouses constructed at Barangay 62,
Sagkahan, Tacloban City. Families and their children who moved from Barangay 88,

San Jose and Brgy. 37, Sea Wall,Tacloban City are now occupying the Transitional
Centers located at the northern barangay of the City. Brgy 88 is composed of several
sub-communities: Baloc, Costa Brava, Alimasag, Fishermans Village, Timex, Old
Terminal while the families from Barangays 89, 90 (San Jose) and Magallanes have
been moved to evacuation centers meters away from the shores and those families
coming from Magallanes (shore side) are now occupying transitional shelter at Brgy
110, Utap, Tacloban City.

A. Profile of Children-Participants
Table 2 presents the distribution of the children-participants by age. These
children were aged 10-17 years old. More than one-fourth (26.67%) of the childrenparticipants in the focus group discussion were 10 years old, followed by aged 15 and
11 years old, 16.67 % and 15 %, respectively.
Table 2. Distribution of Children-Participants by Age.
AGE
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
TOTAL

A
3
1
0
1
2
2
3
10
22

CLUSTER
B
1
1
3
3
1
1
2
4
16

TOTAL
C
1
7
2
4
2
4
2
22

f
4
3
10
6
7
5
9
16
60

%
6.67
5.00
16.67
10.00
11.66
8.33
15.00
26.67
100.00

Twenty two (22) children-participants: 11 males and 11 females came from the
bunkhouses located at Barangay 62 of Tacloban City; the FGD was conducted at the

Multi-purpose Hall; these children were mostly the eldest or the second child in the
family.
There were sixteen (16) children-participants in the FGD which was conducted at
the Multi-Purpose Building of LGU Duplex Transitional Shelter at New Kawayan Duplex
Site. The sixteen (16) children participants of the FGD were 10- 16 years of age either
the eldest, second, third, fourth or fifth child of the three to six siblings of their family.
The children-participants from Barangays 89, 90 and 110 were aged 10-16 years
old; 11 males and 11 females; belonging to the second, third or fifth position among the
siblings of their respective families.

Table 3.Distribution of Children-Participants by Sex

SEX
Male
Female
TOTAL

A
11
11
22

CLUSTER
B
8
8
16

TOTAL
C
11
11
22

f
30
30
60

%
50.0
50.0
100.0

Table 4. Distribution of Children-Participants by Ordinal Position

ORDINAL
POSITION
Eldest
2ND
3RD
4TH
5TH
6TH
7TH
8TH
TOTAL

A
10
5
0
3
2
2
0
0
22

CLUSTER
B
3
3
3
4
2
0
1
0
16

TOTAL
C
3
6
4
2
4
1
1
1
22

f
16
14
7
9
8
3
2
1
60

%
26.67
23.33
11.67
15.00
13.33
5.00
3.33
1.67
100.0

The children-participants have their parents and families with their occupations,
to wit:
List of Occupation of Parents & Guardians
Carpenter

Housewife

Driver (Pedicab, Tricycle, Jeepney)

Electrician

Security Guard

Fisherman

Welder

Construction Worker

Vendor(Food, Fish, Fishball,

Charcoal Maker

Vegetable)

Sari-sari Store

Beautician

Cook

Cash for Work

Chief Tanod

IDP Leader

Barangay Official

Policeman
Laundry Worker

None/Unemployed

Government Employee
CHILDRENS CONCEPT OF CHILDREN ON THE MOVE
The childrens idea of the children on the move was limited to the childrenvictims of typhoon yolanda who experienced movement from their original homes or
barangays to the evacuation centers; or who went back to their original communities or
lived temporarily with their relatives after the typhoon; others lived in tents, and now
have transferred to the transitional centers. These children on the move were friends,
relatives, classmates, schoolmates, neighbours and those theyd met at the evacuation
centers; some survived while others died during the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda,

NEEDS AND CONCERNS of the CHILDREN

Presently their needs and concerns are ; igparalit ug bugas ug tubig (money for
buying rice and water, pagkaon (food), panul-oton (garments/clothing), urokyan nga
balay, (permanent house to live), kuryente (electricity), trabaho hit amon kag-anak
(livelihood of parents) because not all the time or whole life there are relief goods;
igbarayad pag-eskwela ug mga gamit (money for school and other school supplies.

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THEIR MOVEMENT FROM PLACE OF ORIGIN, IN-TRANSIT

AND THEIR DESTINATION
These children described their lives from their original barangays to the
evacuation centers and tents to the transitional center at present. Originally, their
families were complete with their fathers and mothers and siblings. Most of them earned
their living from various sources such as fishing, doing carpentry work and welding, as
security guards and tricycle drivers. The mothers were engaged in food vending,
worked in beauty parlors and washing clothes while others were at home taking care of
their children.
These children expressed their difficulties in providing daily needs, educational
expenses and other needs. However, the family problems have been overcome
because of the unity and cooperation of the family members. They seem adjusted to
their living in their own homes.
There were problems the children in Brgy.88 identified like the garbage thrown to
the sea that according to them affected the availability of fish in their area; and to refrain
from this practice, may have improved the fish catch according to the children. The
improper waste disposal of the gills of the fish and its entrails merely disposed openly

for those engaged in drying fish affected the health condition of the community.
However, the community was able to solve this concern through negotiations with those
involved and garbage pits were made.
Typhoon Yolanda changed entirely the lives of the people. Homes and families
were generally shattered. Six (6) of the sixteen fathers were lost and nine (9) mothers
also died, not to mention the brothers and sisters who also died during the onslaught of
the typhoon. The elementary schools, the church and the Astrodome were the
evacuation centers of the families. Some families returned to their places and
rehabilitated their homes, others in the tents provided by the UNHCR; while few others
went to their relatives for weeks (FGD-Northern Barangays)
The children felt the difficulties of their living in these transient settings. The NoBuild Zone policy has to be implemented; but yet it took a long time before they can be
relocated in the transitory shelters. To stay long with their relatives who were also
typhoon victims was also difficult because of crowding among other reasons.
Families at the bunkhouses experienced difficulties such as crowded
bunkhouses and hot

low-ceiling houses, dirty, smelly resulting to illnesses among

children. Food has also been scarce, supply of water insufficient and the place seems
far from the school where children are enrolled. However, the families feel more secure
living at the bunkhouses: protecting their heads from the downpour of the rain.
CURRENT PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND MECHANISMS AT VARIOUS STAGES OF
THEIR MOVEMENT TO RESPOND TO THEIR CONCERNS
The relief goods and services for the families and the children came when many
NGOs and International Groups arrived with all kinds of assistance. The children have
not expressed any problem as regards the relief operation. It was noted that the relief

assistance of the government did not come as early as the first day after the typhoon
when families with their children had nothing to eat.
The groups/organizations that have served the Children and their families were
several:

The City Government of Tacloban took charge of providing the

needs of the evacuees at the evacuation centers before and after
the typhoon.

The TZU-CHI Foundation, a month after the typhoon gave cash

and blanket with values lecture to almost Families in Tacloban City.
In order to clean the City, the TZU-CHI Foundation scheduled cash
for work in all the barangays of the City.

DSWD later started their relief operation like the distribution of

packs of rice, coffee, sardines, noodles and used clothings.

The UNHCR provided tent after the typhoon

Presently, The City Government thru the City Housing and

Community Development Office in coordination with the DSWD
provides Transitional Shelters to the qualified beneficiaries and also
supply water.

IOM has provided Solar lamp and solar panel

UNICEF has provided school supply

OXFAM has provided hygiene kit

CURRENT GAPS IN THE OVERALL POLICIES AND RESPONSES TO THE NEEDS

AND CONCERNS OF CHILDREN ON THE MOVE

Some children noticed that some relief goods were beyond the expiry
date.

Some relief clothings received were not fit for them; thus seemed useless.

Children experienced scarcity of water supply and they were sent by their
parents to look for or go to other barangays where there is a scheduled
delivery of water.

After the typhoon, families whose children were wounded found difficulty
to travel and look for medical services

Before, during and after the typhoon, the children had always been
at the mercy of the adults; they cannot decide for themselves, cannot go
and do where they like

At present, the supply of safe and enough water at the transitional shelters
is still a problem; the families only wait for the truck that delivers supply of
water

At the transitional centers, the roads are muddy when rain comes, and
dusty when during sunny days.

Not all families are yet comfortable at the transitional centers; few families
and their children have been granted permanent shelter

FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION

(KEY INFORMANTS)
TRANSITIONAL SHELTER IN NORTHERN BARANGAY, TACLOBAN CITY

INTRODUCTION

There were ten (10) Key Informants: seven (7) Leader of the Transitional Shelter
at the Northern Baranagy of Tacloban City, Three(3) Government Officers: PNP-WCDO,
CSWD AND CHCDO.
Seven of these KIs were married, five (5) were College graduates; two(2) college
levels and the rest three(3) were High school graduate, High school and Elementary
levels; with one(1) aged 51 years old and beyond, one (1) aged 46 -50 years old,
two(2) aged 36-40 and four (4) 30 years old and below.
The leaders at the transitional shelters perform tasks as:

l. Committee on Livelihood- help facilitate in the conduct of livelihood

trainings and seminars; give information on livelihood availability and job
vacancy;
m. Community/Activity Organizer perform religious, cultural and children and
youth programs, i.e. feeding, sports feast, _____ and other community
services.
n. Settle family troubles
o. Organize night duty or Tanod to secure the place,
p. Monitor the occupancy of the houses
q. monitor children aged 2-5 for Day Care
r. Pintakasi or community work: to maintain cleanliness, inspect comfort
rooms twice a week, teach children for proper garbage disposal
s. Take charge of activity ______ to education
t. Update household members

KEY INFORMANTS CONCEPT ON CHILDREN ON THE MOVE

The Key Informants have their concepts of the children on the move as:
Displaced children who are staying in transitional shelter and bunkhouses.
(CSWD)
Children who were abandoned and neglected by their parents/relatives
and who committed infractions of the law; they are called Children in
Conflict with the Law(CICL).PNP-WCDO

 Children who are being moved from their habitual place to a new
destination. (CHCDO)
and several ideas of the shelter leaders:
The transfer of children to tents and their adaptation to the new
environment like: like water surrounded environment to mountainous one.
The children that grows and develop: go to school later will work or find
job; Children who are encouraged to go to school.
Were the street children from the seawall of Tacloban (live along the
sea), scavengers and the rugby boys who are now transformed into
spiders engaged in other activities in the new place which is hilly or
mountainous (Northern Barangay)

NEEDS AND CONCERNS

The KKIs from the transitional shelter identify the needs and concerns of the
Children on the Move namely:
Need for safe and sanitary water supply
Access to health care; medicines and health personnel in nearby centers;
however, medical personnel and medicines are not available; health
center and hospitals are far;
Need for permanent or regular source of livelihood, cash for workis the
only source at present
Access to good education; there is no alternative school to go to. wala at
medyo malayo and puede at mapagpipilian na gustong eskwelahan

 Health and nutritious food.

There is the need for cheap and readily

available fruits and vegetables.

Perhaps a small market has to be

established where fruits and vegetables and othe products from nearby
barangay can be sold; at the same time, the families have to be given
space to plant vegetables and raise crops and livestock.
Children vacation/sports and socialization program and facilities
Lecture forum on the rights of children and some parents maltreat children
and dont prioritize education by their children
School bags; transport children to the school; is __________ to
community to and from school
New schools uniform and school supplies
Need for a Police Station

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THEIR MOVEMENT FROM PLACE OF ORIGIN, IN-TRANSIT

AND THEIR DESTINATION
Before the typhoon hit the Region and Tacloban City,

the City Government

ordered the families along the sea to evacuate from Brgy 88, San Jose, Tacloban City
: to the Fishermans Village Elementary School and San Jose Central School, whereby
the evacuees at the Central School received relief goods.
The families at Brgy 37, Sea Wall (at the Market area) had no evacuation center;
However, they decided to move to the Fishport area and during the typhoon, ______ at
the tall buildings nearby and the second floor of the public market of Tacloban, the socalled MASA office, the extension office of the City.
After the typhoon, some of the surviving families and their children returned to
their placed of rogin and built temporary or makeshift houses while others waited for any

assistance to arrive. After few weeks, some International agencies came and offered
assistance through barangay officials. Tents were installed for the families.
The families in this and in their makeshift houses lived uncomfortably, both during
the rainy and sunny days. Rain water seeps inside the tents and the heat inside the
drove the occupants to stay outside of their tents. The families had been dependent on
relief assistance because they had no where to go. They had difficulty in adjusting to
the situation, they say, and they felt tired and sleepless, and generally all children got
sick.
After ten months, the families were transferred then to the transitional Shelter
because of the No Build Zone implementation of the City Government of Tacloban.
Their moments to the transitional Shelter was another adjustments, however, the
stay in this new location (Northern Baranagy) is safer compared to their stay at the
originalhomes by the sea; thought at present they have problems like the insufficient
supply of safe water, still muddy pathways/roads and they are far from the City and their
sources of livelihood. At present is cash for work is the source of income of the
families.
Difficulties of these families in the transitional centers aside from livelihood are
tge insufficient supply of safe water because water is schedule _____ in the different
shelters.
Few families have been transferred to the permanent housing unit adjacent to the
transitional shelters and by July, 2015 according to the CHCDO, the families will be
transferring to the permanent shelter.
Those families situated now at the permanent shelters have better feelings than
they were at the transitional Centers. However, water supply is also a problem. How
about their Livelihood? Permanent sources of income of the families has get to be
attended to also.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Place of Origin of Children on the Move were Brgy 88 which consist of different
clusters: Fishermans Village, Costa Brava, Baloc 1 and Timex

The programs, projects and services received by the children on the move from
their origin were the forced evacuation initiated by the City Government of Tacloban.
Relief goods, used clothing, hygein kit, solar were distributed to the identified
evacuation centers like San Jose Elementary School and Astrodome. The Government
oof Tacloban, CDRRMC, DSWD, UNIHABITAT, IOM, TZU CHI Foundation, Red Cross,
OXFAM, Samaritan and other Christian Organization.
Place of Transit of Children on the Move were from: San Jose Elementary School,
Tents, Fish Port, Supermarket, Cogon San Jose, Brgy 37 Reclamation Area.
Some children on the move live with their friend and relatives other return to their
original house.
The programs, project and services received by the children on the move from
their place of transit were feeding program, relief goods, food packs, used clothing, cash
assistance, hygiene/medical kit, school supplies, water, blanket, solar lamps, initiated by
the different organizations/individuals like UNICEF, Security Bank Foundation, Tacloban
Fukuyama Foundation, OXFAM/UNHCR, UST/Makati Med., TZU CHI Foundation,
UNDP, DSWD, IOM, USAID, Red Cross.
Transitional Shelters is the current place of Children on the Move as identified by
the City Housing and Community Office were as follows: LGU/Duplex OC, Old
Kawayan Site 1 and 2, Cali Transitional Shelter.
The current programs, projects and services for the children on the move are
feeding program initiated by Makapawa, Ateneo De Davao/ADNP

and also a child

friendly spaceprovided by the Nazarene Disaster response and AdDavao/APHP, a

Psychological First Aid and Stress Debreifing facilitated by AdDavao/APHP and
Nazaren Disaster Response. A free registration of birth certificates by the NSO and the
City Government of Tacloban. A medical mission conducted by IOM and free shuttle
from FM Romualdez.
RECOMMENDATIONS

 Safe water supply has to be attended to immediately. jetmatic pumps or

refilling water stations need to be installed nearby so as to cater to this
concern.
The DOH or the City Health Office has to attend to the health care needs
of the people more regularly.
The livelihood for the family members has ____been started. The
International Organizations coordinate with the DSWD for the livelihood
trainings and the Trainees are give allowance so that the families are
financially assisted meantime that they are still undertaking the training.
DepEd has to do something with the present educational status of the
children. These children perhaps feel that are retrogressing and the
teachers have to be alert to pay attention to the challenge.
A small market or tiange has to be established where fruits and
vegetables and other products from nearby barangay can be available
nearby; at the same time, the families have to be given space and
materials to plant vegetables or raise crops and livelihood.
To detail Police officer may give security to the