Children in Leyte flock the streets to beg from motorists

World Vision’s Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director Ajab Macapagat, who is currently coordinating with local government agencies on the situation of families and children in Southern Leyte, east of the Philippines, noticed that many children and adults are on the streets asking money or food from motorists. “I saw children on the streets seeking help. Assistance such as food usually came from the LGUs but not yet sufficient.

Assessing the full extent of damage in the province is quite challenging because electricity and communication signals are not yet fully restored. Some businesses such as money remittances and stores are open. There are long queues of vehicles at the Liloan Port,” Macapagat shares as he roams Southern Leyte’s worst hit communities.

Southern Leyte was declared under the State of Calamity last December 20. Typhoon Odette made three landfalls in the said province: Liloan, Padre Burgos and Panaon Island. A World Vision team is currently in various communities in Southern Leyte for assessment of Typhoon Odette (internationally known as Rai) devastation. World Vision aims to assist 10,000 families in provinces of Surigao, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Negros Occidental, and Cebu.