World Vision launches the “New Year of Firsts” campaign which appeals to the public to make a difference and support thousands of Filipino children

In its latest bid to create deeper awareness and care for more children in 2023, child-focused humanitarian agency World Vision launches the “New Year of Firsts” campaign which appeals to the public to make a difference and support thousands of Filipino children to experience hope and a brighter future amidst crises and uncertainties.

"This year, we want to make it special for children. We can offer them the things that will benefit them in the long run. Children are our future, so we encourage those capable to help build their futures as well. These are the kinds of gifts that give back,” said World Vision’s National Director Mr. Rommel Fuerte. 

The pandemic has brought challenges to many Filipino families, making it more difficult for low-income families and communities to meet even the most basic needs of their children. They have been among the directly affected for years and are today barely surviving as the rest of the world tries to recover.

Through this campaign, children can have access to life-changing basic needs like health and nutrition, clean water, education, child protection, and livelihood through a donation of Php 750 per month or Php 25 per day, which can go a long way ­­to improve their well-being, including social, emotional, spiritual, and physical. 

The New Year of Firsts Campaign is supported by generous sponsors, volunteers, and staunch advocates like Filipino actress Bianca Umali who has been supportive of World Vision in creating communities where kids are safe, healthy, and hopeful. 

“Ever since I became part of World Vision, it has always felt like I am able to fulfill, if not whole, at least a part of my purpose in life. Which is to serve, inspire and put smiles, especially on children's faces,” shared Umali. 

World Vision annually reaches about 1.5 million children nationwide, including 254,439 children directly benefited through its child sponsorship, community-based development programs, emergency response and various advocacies which promote the children’s voice and their protection. Since it started more than 65 years ago, World Vision has touched and changed  the lives of almost 40 million children, including their families and communities..

Make this a year of "firsts" for you and a child in need. Become a child sponsor today by visiting www.worldvision.org.ph/new-year-of-firsts. 

World Vision's emergency response to children and families affected by the Super Typhoon Karding

In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Karding (international name Noru), which affected over 640,963 individuals across the Philippines, World Vision mobilizes its responding teams to the landfall sites and the hardest-hit provinces of Aurora and Quezon.

The Super Typhoon Karding has recently affected seven regions in the country, namely Regions 1, 2, 3, and 5, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and CAR.

Among the priority needs identified and expressed by the typhoon-stricken population are food, emergency shelter support, livelihood, and assistance for learning continuity children. A lot of schools in the area have been damaged and rendered not safe for teachers and students to hold classes. The agricultural provinces of Aurora, Quezon including towns Nakar and Burdeos, and other areas in Central Luzon have also experienced massive flooding due to the typhoon, damaging major crops including rice which could been harvested this month of October.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the communities affected by Typhoon Karding. World Vision is committed to support and complement the ongoing efforts of the government and the humanitarian community, especially in ensuring the well-being of children and the most vulnerable. Let us also continue to pray for our responding staff, for wisdom and protection as they engage on-ground,” shares Mr. Rommel V. Fuerte, World Vision National Director in the Philippines.

World Vision’s emergency response in Aurora and Quezon aims to provide for the immediate life-saving needs of more than 2,000 families through provision of emergency shelter and non-food items, including family blankets, mosquito nets and mats. The team also looks into the special needs of children as they cope from the calamity in the area, as well as other affected provinces soon.

For more information and how you can support World Vision’s Emergency Response, please visit https://wvph.co/KARDINGPH or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

Whisper Philippines launched its partnership with World Vision and Shopee

To debunk period myths and promote better menstrual hygiene management, Whisper Philippines launched its partnership with World Vision and Shopee last Menstrual Hygiene Day. Gen-Z star Belle Mariano led the celebration via a Facebook Live with Health and Nutrition Technical Specialist from World Vision, Diana-Marie Nachor.

Whisper, the girls’ trusted feminine pad, joined women around the world in advancing better and safer period management by having an informative and engaging dialogue and a pledge of donation that helps give menstruating girls in World Vision communities access to period products. 

The program kickstarted the discussion with a refresher on Menstruation 101 from Diana (World Vision) as they talked about how their programs advance menstrual hygiene management among young girls. 

 

MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT 101

Diana broke down Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) into three components: 

 

·      Menstrual hygiene materials: products used to catch menstrual flow, such as cloth or pads

·      Menstrual supplies: items essential to period, such as body and laundry soap, underwear, and pain relief items

·      Menstrual facilities: utilities that help promote safe and dignified menstruation, such as toilets and water infrastructure with general design elements of female-friendly toilets

 

BREAKING CYCLES OF MENSTRUAL MYTHS AND TABOOS

The Live session got more exciting as the host and guests proceeded to have a fun sharing of confessions about the period myths that most menstruating girls and women usually fall for. Even the He’s Into Her lead star shared that she used to believe that jumping two to three times will shorten her period cycle, and how her irregular cycle sometimes made her freak out. 

 

World Vision’s Diana-Marie Nachor shared expert tips on how to achieve better and safer menstrual hygiene. Alongside eating nutritious foods, exercise and washing regularly, Diana pointed out the need for using clean, reliable, and safe period products and pads, and how keeping track of your cycle can help you predict its frequency and length and anticipate any sudden changes. So you can always keep a pad ready just in case!  

FINDING YOUR PRESKO SQUAD

The Facebook Live did not only provide information on period management, but also promoted a safe space for girls to share their experiences on managing their period cycles without discomfort. 

 

Recalling how she got her first period, Belle shared how lucky she was to have her mother guiding her during the entire experience. The “Sigurado” singer also encouraged other girls, especially those who have yet to experience their first periods, to reach out to fellow girls and women for guidance. “Don’t be afraid. Talk to women who know more about this experience, para ma-guide kayo. Para next time, kayo naman mag-gui-guide sa kanila.”

 

Diana echoed Belle’s advice and also inspired the viewers to find their own presko squad and even include men and boys in the conversation. Due to the different physical and emotional changes a woman goes through during her menstrual cycle, it’s a must for girls to have supportive people around who will always have their back, just like a dependable Whisper pad.

 

USING A COMFORTABLE PERIOD PAD 

Learning from her experience with her old pad, Belle also stressed the need for reliable period products, such as menstrual pad that fits your needs and one that won’t let you down. After switching to Whisper, it came as no surprise to her that 9 out of 10 girls love the new Whisper Breathable. 

 

For a go-getter like Belle, she can breeze through multiple activities thanks to the new Whisper Breathable Cottony Soft pads. Its new top sheet has thousands of airflow vents that lock fluid in, keeping sensitive skin dry and clean, while allowing the breezy air to pass through. This technology helps prevent girls from experiencing hot, stuffy, and sticky period situations. Just like Belle, 9 out of 10 girls tried and LOVED Whisper Breathable (based on quantitative usage test survey in Metro Manila in August 2020). 

WHISPER SHARES THE CONFIDENCE

Together with World Vision and Shopee, you can also take part in this movement.  Whisper pledges to match every Whisper pack sold on Shopee from May 28 until June 30, and donate them to girls in need through World Vision. Now, when you buy 1 of any of the following Whisper pack, you also share another Whisper pack to another girl!

1.    Breathable Cottony Soft Regular 8s

2.    Breathable Cottony Nights X-long 4s

3.    Super Clean and Dry Regular 8s

4.    Pure Cotton Unscented Regular 10s

5.    Pure Cotton Scented Regular 10s

 

Jun Godornes of World Vision thanked this partnership with Whisper and Shopee, and invited the audience to join the cause:

 

“As we celebrate Menstrual Hygiene Day, we remember girls and young women who thrive in challenges and adversities in life. We celebrate their beauty and strength, grace and determination to reach for their dreams and become better versions of themselves. Empowered girls and equipped young women will move our nation to greatness. Our small actions, when pulled together, will create waves that can transform lives, one child, one family, one community at a time.”

 

#ShareTheConfidence with Whisper! Visit their Shopee Official store and click ‘add to cart’ now!

 

World Vision, partners and ambassadors continue to provide emergency aid for Typhoon Odette survivors

Three months have passed since the Philippines was hit by torrential rains, violent winds, floods and storm surges due to Typhoon Odette (international name Rai). Overnight, the Typhoon displaced thousands of families, resulting in billions worth of damages as the country is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic. Since then, World Vision ambassadors continue to show their support for typhoon-affected communities through heartfelt activities to help raise funds for World Vision’s relief efforts.

 

Ogie Alcasid held a fundraising concert entitled Online Caroling for a Cause; Quest held the Bagong Yugto fundraising concert through Facebook Live in partnership with When In Manila; Christine and Julius Babao organized ArtReach 2021, a fundraising auction held by their Art PH advocacy in partnership with Art Rocks; and other World Vision ambassadors such as Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Joyce Pring, Juancho Trivino, and Marc Nelson provided donations to the relief efforts.

                       Screencap from Ogie Alcasid’s “Online Caroling for a Cause”

 

With support from ambassadors and corporate partners, World Vision was able to assist nearly 11,000 families from typhoon-affected areas such as Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental and Surigao del Norte from December 2021 to February 2022. As of March 2022, the organization is shifting to the early recovery phase of its Typhoon Odette Response Plan. With 1,400 families and counting assisted in Dinagat Island, World Vision is expanding its efforts to assist communities from Southern Leyte and Siargao with support from ADH, HK SAR, and UNFPA.

 ArtPh donates to World Vision’s Typhoon Odette emergency response. From left: World Vision Resource Development Director Jun Godornes, World Vision Philippines National Director Rommel Fuerte, Art PH Co-founder Julius Babao, World Vision Ambassador and Art PH Co-founder Christine Babao and Art PH Co-founder Lori Jurvida.

 

“I love supporting World Vision because the moment the typhoon hit, the moment it caused the catastrophe, World Vision went there right away. Now is the best time to be selfless. It takes only a little amount to support the future through World Vision,” shared World Vision Ambassador Quest during his online fundraising concert.

Screencap from Quest’s virtual concert “#BagongYugto”

 

Other corporate and church partners who supported World Vision’s Odette response include American Wire and Cable Co., Analog Devices Inc., Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Beepo, Inc., Ben Line Agencies, BSI Group Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Coca-Cola Foundation, Department of Energy-Employees Association, Deped Tudela, Emerson Electric, Emerson Electric (Asia) Limited – ROHQ, Entrepreneurs’ Organization Member Services Centre, Favor Church, GCash, GrabPay, Hans Paper Corporation, HC Consumer Philippines, Investagrams, Isla LPG, JCCM, Lamudi Philippines Inc., Lazada Philippines, Lyf Homes Development Corp., Market Innovation Internationale Inc., Metrobank Card, Microsourcing Philippines Inc., Northern Trust, Novateur Coffee Concepts Inc., PayMaya Philippines, Inc., Procter & Gamble, PUBG Mobile Philippines, RCBC Bankard, Rogan Builders and Development Corp., SFUC Group, Shopee Philippines Inc., Top Data, Victory Fort, Willis Towers Watson, Word for the World Mandaluyong, and Xiaomi Philippines.

"Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines is committed to helping underserved Filipinos especially in times of crisis. In collaboration with World Vision, we were able to reach families in Cebu affected by Typhoon Odette. We are grateful for this partnership through which we are able to help communities cope after natural disasters,” said Cecile Alcantara, Coca-Cola Foundation President.

 

“We at World Vision are thankful to our corporate partners, to our celebrity ambassadors and to everyone who supported children and families affected by Typhoon Odette. With your help, we were able to assist a total of 47,302 individuals including 16,875 children in various communities. Your prayers, kindness and generosity encourage us to continue helping others rebuild communities and provide a safer place for children to thrive,” said World Vision National Director Rommel V. Fuerte

 

For more information and how you can support World Vision’s Emergency Response, please visit www.worldvision.org.ph

World Vision joins Child Rights organizations in lauding passage of End Child Rape Law

For years, the age to determine statutory rape in the Philippines has been the lowest in Asia and one of the lowest in the world. The passage of Republic Act 116481 or an act “providing for stronger protection against rape and sexual exploitation and abuse, increasing the age for determining the commission of statutory rape” responds not only to the Philippines’ obligation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, but most importantly, to the call for stronger protection for victim-survivors of sexual violence. 

 

“The passage of RA 116481 is an answered prayer and a timely gift to women and girls as we celebrate International Women’s Month. For more than 90 years, many young survivors of sexual abuse—both girls and boys—were victimized by an outdated system that either silenced them or forced them to relive their suffering. We are hopeful that with this new law in place, many will be given justice and children will be further protected from sexual exploitation and abuse,” says World Vision Executive Director, Rommel V. Fuerte. 

Aside from the increase in age to determine statutory rape, other notable provisions in RA 11648 include: (1) equalized protection for victims of rape, whether a boy or a girl, and (2) adoption of "close in age exemption" which serves to reduce or eliminate the penalty of the crime in cases where the couple's age difference is minor.

 

“As we work alongside the Philippine government and stakeholders to ensure the implementation of RA 116481, World Vision will also do its part in strengthening the reporting and referral mechanisms of communities we work with and in capacitating duty-bearers to prevent and respond to violence against children,” Fuerte adds. 

 

World Vision in the Philippines is currently present in 28 provinces, 18 cities, and 91 municipalities. Its child protection efforts include strengthening community-based child protection systems, improving parenting support and empowering girls and boys through protective life skills development.   

 

Read the full document on the newly signed law here: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/03mar/20220304-RA-11648-RRD.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2u7DgR8P4uAHEb0VkF51fEYp66IOsRu8uYqbM_7Vgg7tIpVitOrVyxGr0

 

 

World Vision conducts climate change summit

“Sustainability means leaving something for our children,” says guest speaker Ryan Fabay, Mindanao State University Faculty, in the recently concluded Climate Change Summit in Cotabato City. 

 

The Climate Change Summit aims to engage identified communities in improving their mechanisms on waste collection, waste segregation, recycling and other climate change adaptation practices. The initiative is organized through World Vision’s Adapting Solid Waste Management as Climate Crises Solution project in partnership with local government unit of Cotabato City.

 

“Basically the Climate Change Summit is the effort of World Vision and the local government unit to reach the communities and involve them in managing, conserving and protecting the city environment,” says Fabay. According to him, bridging the gap between the government and our community partners to work together will bring effective and sustainable output to the citizens, most especially the children of Cotabato. 

 

“The number one problem we have in the city in our solid waste management efforts is the lack of awareness and participation of the locals,” expresses Engr. Crisanto Saavedra, City Environment and Natural Resources Office. He adds that the event is a very good way to maximize our information and advocacy campaigns.

“The event intends to educate the communities in solid waste management as climate crises solution by decreasing solid waste dumped in their communities,” says World Vision Project Manager, Mark Sefuentes. “Our method is to engage communities through the 3Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle approach,” he explains. 

 

The summit also addresses the need for the collaborative efforts of the different stakeholders including the government, communities, social enterprises, business owners and the children and youth. “We are currently partnering with local stakeholders and relevant establishments to preserve and sustain our solid waste management efforts in the city,” says Sefuentes.

 

Jornalyn Castillo, purok leader and a mother of four, extends her gratitude for being invited to join the summit. She also shares her experience about their increasing problem in their community. 

 

“One of the major concerns that we have in our barangay is the unresolved flooding in our streets exacerbated by the improper disposal of trash in our surroundings,” Castillo says. She worries that this could lead to fatal diseases that could potentially harm the people especially the children. 

 

Castillo extends that the summit motivates her more to lead her constituents in advocating the 3Rs in her in own barangay to ensure their safety and protection. “I will also start training my children for them to know the important value of proper waste segregation in their young age.” 

 

“Also, I was amazed that solid waste management will not only benefit to environmental care, it can also be a good source of income. As what one of the speakers said, ‘May pera sa basura’ (There is cash in trash),” she shares.

 

“We want to create a better world for our future generations by preserving our environment and providing financial opportunities to people that we are working with,” underlines Sefuentes. “This summit is very integral to motivate the local communities to embrace our program and be more aggressive in creating crises solutions which is very timely right now since it is now typhoon season in our country,” he adds.

 

He emphasizes the idea that community participation is the very heart of World Vision’s solid waste management initiative and that the end-line and the very goal is to protect and ensure the safety and security of the children and youth.

 

To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, you may visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

World Vision remains committed to serve more affected families in hard-to-reach areas and complement government efforts in rebuilding devastated communities

 

A month after Typhoon Odette (international name Rai) entered Philippine shores and left billions worth of agriculture and infrastructure damages, World Vision supported more than 9,000 families including 10,912 children with life-saving relief aid in the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Surigao del Norte.

 

World Vision, a child-focused and relief aid organization, distributed more than 2,000 food packs, 2,200 hygiene kits, 1,600 kitchen kits, 2,200 non-food items, 1,000 shelter kits, and 900 water purification kits to families who were left without electricity, homes, water, and communications signal for weeks. 

World Vision also provided a 7x6 meter tent in Siargao Island, one of the hardest hit communities in Mindanao, south of the Philippines, to assist the local government’s medical efforts in the island.

 

“We are grateful for the generous contribution of our sponsors and donors to the organization’s emergency response,” says Rommel Fuerte, National Director of World Vision in the Philippines. “But more work needs to be done, especially for the children’s wellbeing.”

 

Fuerte, who visited affected families and children in Surigao del Norte for several days last December 2021, also expresses his concerns on the impact of Typhoon Odette on children.  “For several days, even until now, many of the communities in the affected provinces have no electricity. Families have no proper shelter, and difficulty getting clean water. In a situation such as this, children’s health is at risk making them more vulnerable to illnesses, which will become a cause for concern amid the continuous spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.” 

 

World Vision remains committed to serve more affected families in hard-to-reach areas and complement government efforts in rebuilding devastated communities – providing a safe place for children. 

 

For more information and how you can support World Vision’s emergency response, please visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter. 

World Vision lauds new Philippine law prohibiting Child Marriage

Globally, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year^[I]. Despite the recent decline in its prevalence, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact to families have placed children—especially girls—at a higher risk of being forced into marriage to make ends meet. 

Studies have shown that marrying at an early age hinders children from reaching their potential and experiencing full lives. It not only discourages them from pursuing their education, but it also makes them prone to domestic violence and to several health risks. 

As a child-focused organization and member of the Child Rights Network in the Philippines, World Vision lauds the recent passing of Republic Act (RA) 11596 or An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage. This new law recognizes child marriage as a form of abuse that debases, degrades, and demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of children and repeals all laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, and rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions stated in the Act.

“As adults, we have the responsibility to make sure that children are loved, protected, and cared for not only at home but also in the community. World Vision commits to work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), and other mandated government agencies in ensuring that this Act is fully and promptly implemented,” says Rommel Fuerte, World Vision National Director.

Despite the Family Code stating that the legal age of marriage in the Philippines is 18, it is only through the passage of RA 11596 can a person be penalized for causing, fixing, facilitating, or arranging a child marriage. This includes individuals who officiate the child marriage, as well as perpetrators who are ascendants, step-parents, or guardians of the concerned minor. 

“Child, early and forced marriage robs adolescent girls (and boys) of their childhood, pushing them further into deep cycle of poverty and violence which has devastating and long-lasting impact to their overall well-being. Clearly, child marriage is a violation of children’s right to protection and human rights,” shares Jezreel Domingo, Child Protection Manager for World Vision in the Philippines. “RA 11596 is a major win in protecting Filipino children and a huge step towards creating a safer Philippines for them so that girls and boys can enjoy their childhood,” Domingo added.

There are varied factors that enable child marriage but it is most closely linked with low levels of economic development. For families living in extreme poverty, child marriage can help alleviate their poor economic conditions and even offset debts or settle conflicts. In other cases, child marriage is influenced by traditions, norms, and beliefs. 

With this new law that prohibits child, early and forced marriage, World Vision is hopeful that more Filipino children will be able to experience the full life aspired and intended for them.

To know more about World Vision and its other initiatives, you may visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

#MayForeverOnline: Children and youth leaders led the orientation about online safety

Adhering to local hygiene protocols and social distancing, children in some World Vision communities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao gathered to teach and learn about online safety to prevent online abuses and sexual exploitation of children. 

Using the hashtag term “#MayForeverOnline”, children and youth leaders led the orientation about online safety, reminding their peers to be extra careful when posting information on the Internet and social media. 

“The #MayForeverOnline campaign is our way of reaching out and telling other children and youth to be extra careful when posting information online because anything we post online are there forever even if we deleted them from our social media pages,” Francis, 21, World Vision’s National Children’s Federation president, explains referring to the digital footprints that leave trails on the Internet which can be used by other people to steal personal information and take advantage of a child. 

The children’s campaign is in response to the growing population of Internet users in the country. According to the Dateportal.com report entitled “Digital 2021: The Philippines”, there are 73.91 million Internet and 89 million social media users in the Philippines. 

The same report also showed that Filipinos spend an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes on social media, making the Philippines as the top country with the most time spent on the internet and social media. The leased obsessed with social media are the Japanese, spending only 51 minutes online on average. 

The growing trends in social media usage also pose risks to children. A report of the International Justice Mission (IJM), an international organization that protects people in poverty from violence, showed the Philippines with 237 new referred cases of online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) between 2010-2017 compared with three other leading countries: Mexico with 27 referred cases, Brazil with 19, and India with 18. The country also has the largest known source of sexually exploited children online.

IJM, World Vision and Compassion International, another Christian child-focused organization, are currently working together to prevent and end sexual exploitation of Filipino children in an advocacy campaign called It Takes a World to End Online Sexual Exploitation of Children. 

The main highlight of #MayForeverOnline campaigns are the creative ways children answered two major questions: “What are the things you don’t want to remain online forever?” and “What advice would you give to other children about online safety?”   

Children’s groups answered the questions in slogans, games and colorful posters. In one slogan, a group of children reminded everyone that “Children are not dolls. They have dignity and feelings to preserve.” The children’s group from Bukidnon calls to stop malicious content about children that are being posted online. 

Another group of children from Leyte reminded other children to be aware of children and youth are posting online to avoid being cyberbullied. “Never post negative comments to avoid being bullied online,” the children’s written reminder states. 

A group of children from Camarines Norte, likewise, wrote similar reminders, and advised children to “Treat Internet as Internet not as diary.”

The National Children’s Month is held in the Philippines every November. The month-long celebration commemorates the country’s adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly in November 1989. 

To know more about World Vision, please visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph. You may also follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for updates.