Students mobilize for disaster response amid Super Typhoon Pepito’s fury

MANILA, Philippines – The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) and the Tulong Kabataan PH Disaster Response Center launched a student-led disaster response platform called the “Campus to Communities (C2C) Initiative” due to the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito (Man-yi).

The initiative, launched in time for the celebration of the 6th National Students’ Day, aims to address challenges in relief efforts, such as disorganized operations, traditional patron-client politics, and logistical inefficiencies. 

It also seeks to ensure coordinated and effective disaster responses while advocating for a people-centered approach to disaster risk reduction and management.

The initiative has so far consolidated efforts from 42 student councils, four student regents, 11 student organizations, and four student publications across 21 schools in regions affected by the typhoon to improve relief efforts, build stronger ties with communities, and pressure the national government to adopt a more resilient and accountable disaster response system.

Through this platform, student leaders aim to:

• Coordinate relief efforts among student councils and organizations to address urgent needs and prevent resource duplication.
• Amplify campaigns and push for reforms addressing the needs of youth and students, particularly those affected by the typhoon, in both academic and government policies.
• Bridge information gaps between national agencies and local governments, ensuring timely updates reach disaster-stricken areas.
• Establish long-term partnerships to share best practices and collaborate on community engagement beyond disaster response.

Ceejay Bebis, NUSP secretary-general, said they aim to show youth groups can actively engage in nation-building with enthusiasm and commitment.

The NUSP encouraged more student councils and neighboring schools to join the initiative. – Rappler.com

Interested groups can reach out through the NUSP’s official Facebook page at facebook.com/NUSPhilippines or email at nusphilippines57@gmail.com.