World Vision Acknowledges Corporate Partners and Individual Sponsors for over PHP60M Funding for COVID-19 Emergency Response

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Amidst the current health crisis, World Vision in the Philippines has allotted the total amount of ₱60,254,512.70 from different funding sources and donations including corporate partners and individual child sponsors to fund its ongoing COVID-19 Emergency Response. 

“World Vision is so grateful for the support of all our generous donors in the battle against COVID-19. Like in our past initiatives, your donations are definitely a big help to the Filipino children and their families, and even to the frontliners that we are assisting during these difficult times,” said Rommel V. Fuerte, World Vision National Director.

One month on in its health emergency response, World Vision has served and assisted over 1.4 million people nationwide.

Proceeds directly went to World Vision’s implementation of COVID-19 response including the distribution of 13 triage tents to the hospitals and the provision of basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the frontliners.

In some of the affected communities in Metro Manila, World Vision also provided Sanitation Kits that include alcohol, mouthwash, face mask, and reading materials about hygiene and handwashing to the families in need. Disinfectant Kits were also supplied to the health facilities in the poorest of the poor communities, and most importantly, bestow temporary income to the most vulnerable families through unconditional cash distribution.

In collaboration with Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI), the child-focused organization also packed and distributed 16.8 tons of fresh vegetable packs containing okra, sayote, cabbage scorpio, wombok, potatoes, squash, eggplant, onion, garlic, tomatoes, bitter gourd, string beans, and chili pepper to over 5,250 families and 60 frontliners in Manila, Quezon City and Malabon City.

Among the corporate companies which supported World Vision included Accenture, Aidea Inc., BHP Shared Services Philippines, Inc., Chek Hup, Colgate Palmolive, ComCo Southeast Asia, DTCC, Ellite Ads Corporation, Emerson Electric (Asia) Ltd., Frankie & Friends, GCash, Giftaway, Gifted PH, Grab Philippines, ING Foundation, Inc., Investagrams, Lazada, Lexus Manila, Inc., Ligo, Medtronic Philippines, Inc., Merck Inc., Microsourcing, Mirth & Yift, Mondelez, PayMaya, PCCW Solutions, Inc., Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc., Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc., S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Seaoil Philippines, Inc., Security Bank, Shopee, Storm Technologies, Inc., ticket2me, Unilever, and Zalora.

To help and learn more about World Vision’s initiative against COVID-19, please visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/coronavirus-health-crisis/.

About World Vision

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. 

Children present Manifesto to government leaders in World Vision National Children’s Congress

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In time for the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the 27th National Children’s Month, World Vision organized a 3-day national children’s congress, attended by more than 140 children across the country. 

World Vision Executive Director Mr. Rommel Fuerteaddresses the children and highlights the importance of children participating in the decision-making process ofmatters affecting them.

The event, anchored on the theme “Karapatan ng Bata: Ipagdiwang at Patuloy na Pahalagahan”, provided a venue for child leaders to present to government leaders their manifesto which highlights their call for the government and other non-government organizations to address the different issues and concerns that directly or indirectly affect the full attainment of their rights.

Among the issues raised include the lack of support and recognition for Barangay Children’s Associations (BCA), poor health services and poor sanitary conditions in communities, lack of teachers and educational facilities, low family income, bullying, and discrimination. Alongside the issues were children’s recommended solutions.

Delegates of World Vision’s National Children’s Congress participate in activities designed to allow them to understand and enjoy their rights as children.

Delegates of World Vision’s National Children’s Congress participate in activities designed to allow them to understand and enjoy their rights as children.

“My life changed after the armed conflict in my city. I wanted to quit studying to help provide for the family but I’m grateful that my parents did not allow me to stop despite our financial challenges. If given a chance, I want to be an accountant someday,” shared Abdullah of Marawi City. The children suggested for provision of income- generating mechanisms to families, as well as access to technical/vocational skills training programs.

National Youth Commission Assistant Secretary Victor Del Rosario who was present during the presentation said that congresses like this are important because they serve as avenues where children may “vent their major issues, concerns and challenges that will be heard by the government for appropriate action”. He added that the government deems the welfare of children very significant in governance.

Delegates of World Vision’s National Children Congress dropping their personal prayers for children around the globe.

The Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Women and Children’s Protection Center (WCPC) through Assistant Chief Colonel Robert Gallardo also affirmed its commitment to upholding the rights of children. “Our centers in police stations nationwide can cater to all complaints affecting women and children, and we can protect them.”

Leaders from the Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Council for the Welfare of Children, National Committee for Children and Youth Participation, UN Youth Advisory Board, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos - Office of the President were also present during the Children’s Manifesto presentation.

The work continues

World Vision's three-day National Children’s Congress provided a venue for child leaders to present to government leaders their manifesto to address the different issues and concerns that directly or indirectly affect the full attainment of their rights.

“We laud the children for their courage to speak on issues that concern them but we recognize that there is more to be done for them and with them. As a child-focused organization, World Vision will continue to help empower and provide them with venues to come together and amplify their right to be heard and make informed decisions to matters affecting them,” said World Vision Executive Director Rommel V. Fuerte. 

“One of the things that stuck with me was the discussion on child protection. I learned where to go when we are abused or taken advantage of,” said Kate of Leyte Province. Meanwhile, Kim from Camarines Norte and a first-time attendee of the children’s congress, shared that he made friends with other children despite coming from different backgrounds and that he enjoyed learning more about the country through the different cultural presentations of his fellow children. 

Aside from the crafting of the Children’s manifesto, the 3-day event further discussed the UNCRC principles, sustainable development goals, and the four categories of children’s rights: survival, development, participation and protection. 

Towards the end of the congress, a new set of child officers were elected for the World Vision National Children’s Federation (WVNCF), a national assembly of children-representatives from assisted communities. WVNCF advocates for active child participation in achieving safe and protective environment in partnership with parents, local government, non-government organizations, private sectors, communities and institutions.