The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has called on authorities to ensure the protection and prioritization of persons with disabilities in disaster response efforts following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday.
The quake hit off the coast of Sarangani province at 7:37 am on June 8, causing reported casualties and significant damage to properties in neighboring provinces in the southern region.
The NCDA urged authorities to implement inclusive disaster response measures, including accessible evacuation procedures and the proper delivery of food, medical supplies and other essential assistance to persons with disabilities.
The council also called on disaster risk reduction and management councils to strengthen measures for vulnerable groups and asked Persons with Disability Affairs Offices to monitor and identify affected persons with disabilities who may need immediate support.
The NCDA cited Republic Act No. 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, which recognizes persons with disabilities as among the groups most vulnerable during disasters and in need of specialized attention and assistance.
The council also extended its sympathies to the victims of the earthquake and commended first responders and local government units for their swift action in assisting affected communities.