On 8 June 2026, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Southern Mindanao, Philippines, just as children were preparing to return to school. Homes, schools, hospitals and essential infrastructure were damaged, disrupting services and forcing families to seek safety away from home.
More than 1.66 million people were affected, with 106 lives lost and thousands of families displaced. For children, the loss of familiar places and routines, alongside continued aftershocks, brought fear and uncertainty at what should have been the start of a new school year.
World Vision has reached 18,160 people, including 8,911 children, through its humanitarian response in Southern Mindanao. Support has included food, essential supplies, water and hygiene assistance, child protection, and mental health and psychosocial care.
Providing Food and Essential Supplies
For families displaced from their homes, meeting everyday needs became an immediate challenge. World Vision provided food and essential supplies to help families cope during this difficult period.
- 2,000 families received food assistance and sleeping kits to support their immediate needs.
Supporting Safe Water and Hygiene
Damage to infrastructure and displacement made access to safe water and basic hygiene more difficult. World Vision provided supplies to help families store and treat water, maintain hygiene and manage daily life.
- 1,305 families received assistance, including hygiene kits, jerry cans, water purification tablets and solar lamps.
These supplies help families protect their health while living in temporary conditions.
Helping Children Feel Safe Again
For children who experienced the earthquake and ongoing aftershocks, recovery also means having someone to listen and a safe place to play. World Vision provided structured activities and psychosocial support to help children process their experiences and regain a sense of routine.
- 8,305 children participated in structured play and psychosocial support activities across affected communities.
- 458 school personnel were trained in Psychological First Aid to support children affected by the earthquake.
Through play and caring support, children have opportunities to reconnect with others and express how they are feeling. Training school personnel also helps equip adults to recognise distress and respond with appropriate care as children return to their classrooms.
Restoring Water and Hygiene Facilities in Schools
Safe, functional school facilities are an essential part of helping children continue their education after a disaster. Repairs to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities are underway at two schools, with the improvements expected to benefit at least 600 children once completed.
The repairs will help children access clean water and safe hygiene facilities as face-to-face classes continue.
Helping Families Rebuild Homes and Livelihoods
Beyond emergency relief, families need support to restore the homes and livelihoods their children depend on.
World Vision is supporting some of the most vulnerable earthquake-affected families in Southern Mindanao with shelter assistance, including Build Back Safer training and cash assistance, to help them repair their damaged homes more safely.
Affected farmers will also receive farming tools, cash crop seeds and agricultural training to help restore their livelihoods. This support will help families work towards a more reliable income as they rebuild their lives.
Thank you for standing with children and families in Southern Mindanao, Philippines.
Your support has helped children and families receive food, hygiene supplies and essential items during a deeply difficult time. It has also helped children access care, find moments of comfort through play and return to learning with adults better equipped to support them.
As families repair their homes and restore their livelihoods, World Vision continues to stand alongside them, helping children regain safety, stability and hope for the days ahead.
Find out more about our other ongoing Crisis and Disaster Responses.
