A child tries to avoid rising flood waters in the northern Philippines after a typhoon hit the country in 2015. (Photo by Mark Saludes)
The social action arm of the Philippine Catholic bishops has welcomed a new law that ensures protection of children during disasters and other emergency situations.
"The law is a huge step forward for us," said Father Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of social action secretariat of the bishops' conference.
Known as the Children's Emergency Relief and Protection Act, the law mandates the state to implement a program to provide children and mothers "with utmost support and assistance" during disasters.
Father Gariguez noted that during calamities the needs of children are often neglected.
The priest urged dioceses to coordinate with the government to come up with "collaborative plans" to support the implementation of the law.
When Super Typhoon Haiyan hit the country in 2013, Save the Children, a non-government organization, reported that up to six million children were affected.
In the 2016 Climate Change Vulnerability Index, the Philippines ranked 13th among countries that are "most vulnerable to climate change."