Toronto, ON, June 8, 2026 – A 7.8-magnitude earthquake devastated Southern Philippines on Monday, June 8, coinciding with the opening of classes for primary and secondary schools.

Plan International has been working in the Philippines for more than 60 years and is ready to respond to the disaster. The organization is underscoring the urgent need to protect children and girls, who face heightened risks of displacement, violence, and disrupted access to critical services.

The earthquake struck as schools were set to welcome millions of learners, damaging classrooms and disrupting the first day of classes in affected areas.

According to estimates from the ACCESS Consortium Philippines (a consortium of humanitarian NGOs in the Philippines), approximately 4.13 million individuals (1.01 million households) may be affected across the south of Mindanao Island.

Many families may be forced to leave their homes. At least 185,000 households are at risk of displacement, especially those living in more vulnerable homes not designed to withstand strong earthquakes.

Overall, nearly 1 million people are expected to need humanitarian support, including access to food, shelter, and healthcare. Some 6,000 households may lose access to safe drinking water, adding to urgent needs. According to preliminary government reports, 19 people have lost their lives, 134 people have been injured and 7 people are missing.

The earthquake also damaged homes, schools and other infrastructure. Power, transport and communication services have been disrupted in affected areas. Evacuations and ongoing aftershocks have displaced many families and increased pressure on temporary shelters. Overcrowded conditions can heighten protection, health and safety risks, particularly for women, girls and other vulnerable groups.

The earthquake has also disrupted education and livelihoods, leaving many children out of school and increasing challenges for affected households as they begin to recover.

“We are especially concerned about the safety, protection and well-being of children, particularly girls, who are among the most vulnerable in the aftermath of disasters. Displacement, disrupted education and weakened protection systems significantly increase their risks of violence, exploitation and long-term harm. It is critical that response efforts prioritise their protection from the outset,” said Pebbles Sanchez-Ogang, Executive Director of Plan International Pilipinas.

Plan International is working with partners to assess needs and prepare support for affected communities, with emergency supplies ready for distribution.

The organization calls for a response that puts girls first – prioritizing their safety, rights and well-being alongside all children, recognizing that girls face heightened risks in emergencies – and urges responders to uphold the highest standards of child safeguarding.

Plan International stands in solidarity with affected families and remains ready to support relief and recovery efforts.

To support children affected by disasters and other global crises, visit plancanada.ca/donate/children-in-crisis.

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships with and for children for over 85 years and is active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind, or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists, and we will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

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Plan International Canada
PR & Communications
PRteam@plancanada.ca