Safekeeping legal documents before disasters strike

Joy Maluyo

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Safekeeping legal documents before disasters strike
Legal documents are important in proving one's identity and necessary for someone who needs basic services from the government

LEYTE, Philippines – Belen says she can afford to lose the school supplies in her store, her kitchen utensils, and even appliances but not the birth certificates of her children.

“They’re always in this envelope and I keep all other important things here,” she explained, pointing to her shoulder bag.

When Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit Visayas, more than 50% of the affected families lost their civil documents such as birth and marriage certificates. The documents are important in proving one’s identity. These are also necessary for someone to receive basic services from the government and for disaster survivors not to be deprived of state welfare.

“I cannot go to an organization and claim that I am who I am without any proof,” Belen said. 

Belen also shared the struggles of her neighbors who had a hard time in enrolling their children in school because of lost birth certificates during Yolanda.

“As a mother, I do not want my children to lose their identity, most especially their legal rights.  I am relieved that I didn’t have to go through those troubles, according to Belen.

While children may have problems with enrollment, single people may also find it hard to get married without proof of their status. 

Those who lost such documents are encouraged to go to their local civil registrar for assistance.

Preparedness matters

“I am thankful that I have learned much of these during the disaster risk reduction training,” Belen said.

Old Kawayan is one of World Vision’s Area Development Programs (ADP) in Leyte province where Belen is an active community leader. Grace Baloro, ADP Program Officer who now works with the Haiyan Response as team leader, explained they have been conducting training on Child-Focused Disaster Risk Reduction (CFDRR).

Following the different typhoons after Yolanda, Belen said nothing beats preparedness.

SEALED. Belen keeps her legal documents sealed in a plastic envelope. Photo by World Vision

“I have small back bags which we can easily carry when the need arises. Inside the bags are the legal documents sealed in a plastic envelope, extra clothes, hygiene kits, food, and also a match and a candle.”

Added 10-year old Harold, “Aside from my school bag, I have another bag which Mama told me to carry in case there is another storm.” He also explained how his parents taught him and his sister what to do if they need to evacuate again.

Reiterating the importance of preparedness, Belen also explained the importance of keeping the bags in an accessible area: “My husband (now helps) me when it comes (to) keeping vital things like his ID and driver’s license safe because he almost lost them during the typhoon. Good thing we were able to find them amid the rubble one week after. Now he’s also aware where I secure our things.” – Rappler.com 

Joy Maluyo is a Communication Officer for World Vision’s Haiyan Response. She is currently deployed in the Visayas and is moving around World Vision’s assisted areas in Panay Island, North Cebu, and Leyte. 

 

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