One of the worst-case scenarios for families is to have a loved one missing. The distress becomes even greater when that someone is a child. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicate that almost one-third of the barangays affected by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 reported lost children, the majority of whom were aged 5-14 years old.

WatchMe is a GPS watch that tracks the location of the individual wearing it in real-time through the software developed by Xtelent. WatchMe aims to facilitate a faster and more effective rescue response during disasters.

In its most basic form, what WatchMe provides is peace of mind for families.

This is from the experience of TUKLAS Innovation Labs which is implemented by Plan International, Action Against Hunger, CARE Philippines, and the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center. TUKLAS is part of the Disasters and Emergencies Preparedness Programme Innovation Labs managed collaboratively by Start Network and CDAC Network, and funded by UK Aid.

The TUKLAS Central and Southern Luzon Lab is led by CARE Philippines.