Davao city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region has provided psychosocial support to 388 children affected by last month’s strong earthquakes through its child-friendly spaces.

According to Philippines News Agency, Rachel Guerrero, a social welfare officer, stated during a press briefing that 157 children are from Davao de Oro and 231 from Davao Oriental. The spaces are safe areas in evacuation centers where children engage in structured play, art sessions, and storytelling.

Guerrero mentioned, ‘They participate in purely child-friendly activities while inside the evacuation centers.’ These spaces also enable social workers to assess children who may need referrals for health interventions, though none have been recorded so far.

Guerrero emphasized the activities support the children’s psychosocial well-being, especially those who may have experienced trauma. Several non-governmental organizations and local government units are also conducting psychosocial activities for the children.