Triple Crisis in the Philippines

On May 15, Save the Children Philippines through the combined support of its donors like you, has turned over a Learning Continuity Space in Kansaguibo Elementary School in Tabuelan Cebu. 

Tabuelan is one of the municpalities placed under state of calamity following the 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu on September 30, 2025 which caused a widespread damage to homes, roads, schools, public facilities, and other critical infrastructure.

More than 2,780 schools were damaged across three regions and 1,187 classrooms were totally destroyed.

It would take some time for the education sector to recover but we are proud to have been the first organization to be able to set-up a Learning Continuity Space.  

What is so special about it?

It is a  7m x 9m (with 5m extension)  modular, deployable, reusable prefabricated unit composed of a semi-permanent classroom, water and sanitation facility, emergency power station, telecommunication system, learning continuity kits, and portable school furniture. 

Our turnover of this facility is just in time for the school opening on June 8.

“When I grow up, I want to become a doctor … so I’ll have money to buy rice.”

- Sophia, 5 years old

Before the magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Northern Cebu, five-year-old Sophia was simply playing on her cellphone inside their living room while heavy rain poured outside. Moments later, the ground began to shake violently.

Sophia remembers glasses and plates shattering, their motorcycle falling over, and their potted plants getting destroyed as the family rushed outside into the rain. Due to the repeated aftershocks, they continued sleeping in a tent for safety.

 Now under the care of her grandmother after her parents separated, Sophia is slowly finding comfort again through learning and routine. Among the items she received from the back-to-school kit, her favorite is the red water bottle, which she is excited to bring with her to school. When she first saw the new Learning Continuity Space, Sophia smiled and said it was “really nice” — a simple but powerful reminder of how safe and dignified learning spaces can help children regain a sense of security, hope, and normalcy after disaster.

There is much to be done and we hope you can further support children's learning continuity by donating to Save the Children Philippines.  Thank you very much.

Links:

• Learn more about Save the Children Philippines