Philippines Earthquake Emergency Relief: ChildFund Japan Launches Support for Affected Children

ChildFund Japan, a certified NPO (Executive Director: Katsuhiko Takeda; Suginami-ku, Tokyo) supporting children in developing countries, has launched emergency assistance for families and children affected by the major earthquake that struck the Philippines on June 8, 2026. In South Cotabato, one of the most severely damaged regions, the organization is providing water, food, and ensuring safe spaces in shelters for girls and children. Donations for these emergency efforts are being accepted through their official website and Yahoo! Net Fund crowdfunding.

### A Major Earthquake Strikes on the First Day of the New School Year

Around 8:38 AM (JST) on Monday, June 8, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake occurred off the coast of Mindanao, southern Philippines. General Santos City in South Cotabato experienced seismic intensity 7.

The earthquake caused massive destruction, including collapsed buildings. Tsunami warnings were issued, and coastal residents were instructed to evacuate to higher ground. There are 37 confirmed fatalities and 487 injured, with approximately 10,000 households forced to evacuate.

June 8, the day of the earthquake, was the first day of the new school year in Philippine public schools. The earthquake deprived children of the learning and daily routine they were looking forward to.

### Launching Emergency Support in South Cotabato: Water, Food, and Safety

For 50 years since starting international cooperation in 1975, ChildFund Japan has provided education support, protection against violence, and disaster preparedness training for children in the Philippines. In response to this earthquake, ChildFund Japan is collaborating with ChildFund Spain (educo) to conduct emergency relief.

Immediately after the disaster, ChildFund conducted a needs assessment. Based on this, the organization is providing the most urgent necessities: safe water, food, and protection for women and children (securing safe spaces in shelters).

To ensure aid reaches children as quickly as possible, donations for emergency relief are currently being accepted via the ChildFund Japan official website and Yahoo! Net Fund crowdfunding.

Schools in the affected areas are closed indefinitely. Amidst ongoing aftershocks, children are anxious and unable to attend school or meet their friends. Please support these emergency efforts to help protect these vulnerable children.