600 Children Equipped with School Kits as Davao Oriental Recovers from Back‑to‑Back Earthquakes  

Five months after a powerful ‘doublet’ earthquake disrupted communities in Davao Oriental, recovery efforts continue, this time with a renewed focus on children’s education.  

A total of 600 children from two public schools in the Municipality of Caraga received school kits and learning materials through the partnership of World Vision and The Coca-Cola Foundation, supporting ongoing education recovery under the Philippine Earthquakes Emergency Response. 

The distribution aims to help children safely return to learning spaces and ease the burden on families still recovering from the economic and emotional impacts of the disaster.  

Many households lost homes, livelihoods, and basic resources when the earthquakes struck, making school-related expenses difficult to prioritize. 

Read similar: Davao Oriental earthquake survivors hold on to the meaning of ‘home’  

“Many of these children are still experiencing trauma from the disaster, especially since the ground continues to shake from time to time,” said Rex Rubio, World Vision Program Officer.  

“Some lost their homes, their sources of income, and the things they worked hard to build. There are even children who considered stopping school because of the financial strain on their families. Through this support, we hope to bring back smiles and encouragement to 600 children who were deeply affected by last year’s earthquake.” 

Each school kit contained essential learning materials such as notebooks, ballpens, color materials, papers, an umbrella, and others that help children stay engaged in school while reducing expenses for parents. 

For Sheena, a Grade 6 pupil, one of the child recipients, the assistance brought both relief and hope. “I am very happy because I now have school supplies and my parents don’t have to buy anymore,” she shared. 

“This really helps us because there is no longer a problem about school supplies. During the earthquake, I was very worried about my family. Until now, we are still traumatized. But I learned today that when something happens, I should stay calm and go to a safer place. I thank World Vision and The Coca-Cola Foundation for the school supplies I received.” 

School leaders also emphasized the importance of continued support for learners studying in difficult conditions.  

Salve, a school principal, noted that classes are still being held in (tents) makeshift learning spaces. “Seeing the children continue to come to school despite experiencing an earthquake gives us strength and hope,” she said.  

“Even if they are studying under tents, we remain committed to providing quality education. The support they received is a great blessing, it reminds them that, despite everything, there are still people and institutions willing to help and show kindness to children in need.” 

Another school head, Arthur, highlighted the value of partnerships in addressing long-term recovery needs. “The partnership between public and private institutions like World Vision and The Coca-Cola Foundation is very important in helping address learning gaps,” he said.  

“We cannot do this alone. Last year, our school also benefited from psychosocial support provided by NGOs, which helped learners process and overcome their trauma. With this school kit support, learners are better able to cope with the challenges they continue to face.” 

World Vision, with the support of The Coca-Cola Foundation, continues to place children at the center of recovery, helping restore not only access to education, but also hope, stability, and a sense of normalcy after disaster.