Children are at risk
The population of the Philippines is young: 30% of the total population is under the age of 14. Government policies have improved the lives of children, and for example, the child mortality rate has fallen significantly. However, children continue to face many difficulties. Tens of thousands of children are displaced by armed conflict and affected by natural disasters. In addition, many children have lost parental care. Nearly 600,000 children between the ages of five and 17 are forced to work in hazardous conditions.
85,000
People displaced in Marawi region due to conflict
Displaced populations
The people of the Philippines have experienced many social, political and economic changes in recent decades. Armed conflicts have also marked the lives of many; decades of fighting, much of which was against separatist groups and guerrillas, have claimed thousands of lives, displaced many more and curtailed opportunities for development. Due to the conflict in the Marawi region located on the second largest island, Mindanao, 85,000 people were displaced, and many still live in transitory sites.
23%
Of the population lives in poverty
Poverty
In spite of positive economic developments, the changes have not reduced poverty, and over 23% of the population continues to live under the national poverty line. In addition, the wealth created has been unequally distributed. The lack of opportunities means that many people are forced to move overseas: around two million Filipinos work abroad. The money they send home makes an important contribution to the national economy.
35%
Of inhabitants in metro Manila live in unstable slums
Informal settlements
The migration of parents in search of work has greatly affected children's lives. Children who move with their parents to the cities often end up living in informal settlements where they lack decent housing, food, and sanitation facilities. An estimated 35% of inhabitants in metro Manila live in unstable, poorly constructed shelters in slums. The current hardships and limited prospects make people vulnerable to the false promises of human traffickers. Children living in these situations are particularly at risk.
Together we can make a difference for children in the Philippines
Are supported in the community
660
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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Ronalyn and her friend Jeremy launched a mental health project for young people with the slogan: “Let’s talk, be active and plant joy.” They organized seminars to raise awareness on mental health and provided a safe space for young people to talk about their feelings. They also organized other activities such as baking or gardening to bring young people together (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Philippines).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
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GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives