30%
Of the population is under 14 years of age
Young population
Demographically speaking, the country is young—around 30% of the population are children under the age of 14. In order to escape grinding poverty in rural areas, many children move to Mariveles with their families in search of a better life. However, the city's economic development has not reached everyone.
Families living in these harsh conditions in the city struggle daily to put food on the table and look after their children. Children often suffer from malnutrition or ill health. Another great concern is the fact that many parents cannot afford the extra costs of sending their children to school; they can only do so with the help of scholarships.
60%
Of the population lives in coastal areas
Natural disasters
The people of the Philippines are one of the most vulnerable to climate change in the world, due to 60% of the population living in coastal areas. Coastal cities are at increased risk from rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and storm surges. Tropical storms and typhoons, floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and droughts are common. Between 2000 and 2017, the Philippines experienced 273 natural disasters linked to climate change. Many families are displaced families as they are forced to flee dangerous and inhospitable environments. Families need extra support as they rebuild their lives in a new location.
Your support makes a difference for children in Bataan
SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
70
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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An older girl helps her younger friend. Children often do homework together after school (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Philippines).
How your support helps in Bataan
Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.