Kalinga PCPC prepares trauma aid, support services for children in Butbut-Tulgao conflict

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC)-Kalinga is preparing psychological first aid and other support services for children affected by the ongoing tribal conflict between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes in Tinglayan.

The planned intervention aims to address the emotional and psychosocial needs of children exposed to armed conflict, which can affect their sense of safety, emotional well-being, education and daily activities.

During an emergency meeting on October 23 at Capitol Hills in Bulanao, Tabuk City, the council discussed plans to conduct visits to conflict-affected barangays on Thursdays in November.

The final schedule, venues and composition of intervention teams remain subject to confirmation, with the possibility of visiting two barangays in one day depending on the number of children needing assistance and the teams’ capacity.

The proposed teams will include personnel from the health sector, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and the education sector, with other council members being considered to support the activities.

Aside from psychological first aid (PFA), the planned services include child vaccination, distribution of children’s kits containing hygiene supplies and toys, meals, and career guidance.

The council also discussed security arrangements with the Kalinga Police Provincial Office to ensure the safety of the intervention teams and children during the community visits. A special meeting was scheduled for October 30 to discuss the security plan and finalize preparations.

The emergency meeting was presided over by Atty. Priel Balinao, representing the Provincial Legal Office, and attended by representatives of government agencies, law enforcement, child welfare organizations, the education sector and other partner institutions, including a youth representative.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, Governor James S. Edduba said he was directing the council to find ways to help affected children, who are particularly vulnerable to the trauma of armed conflict.

Edduba recalled his own childhood experiences and said these have strengthened his commitment to pursuing peaceful solutions despite the complexities and challenges of resolving tribal conflicts.

He appealed to iKalingas to pray with him and support government initiatives to restore peace between the Butbut and Tulgao tribes, urging the public not to fuel tensions.

The planned PCPC intervention seeks to ensure that children’s needs receive attention while efforts to resolve the conflict continue, including support to help them regain a sense of safety and stability in their communities.