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.

Rachel Guerrero, a social welfare officer, said during a press briefing here Monday 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.

“They participate in purely child-friendly activities while inside the evacuation centers,” Guerrero said.

The spaces also allow 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. (PNA)