World Vision launches its “Back-to-School” campaign to support Filipino children for the opening of the school year 2021-2022.

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World Vision calls to support a meaningful future for Filipino children in the “Back-to-School” campaign

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the consequences of COVID-19 continue to affect many, especially those living in the most vulnerable conditions. Among those most heavily affected are children as the pandemic continues to disrupt their learning and development and makes education inaccessible to millions of students nationwide.

Research conducted by World Vision revealed that since 2019, almost three million students have dropped out of school and that five in ten families lacked access to basic education. These problems have only worsened during the pandemic because of the limited avenues to learn. In the absence of face-to-face learning, online or remote methods have become the temporary norm, however, more than 38% of children in far-flung areas are unable to take advantage of this medium as they cannot afford the technological materials required.

In the face of these challenges, World Vision continues to believe that every child has the right to have access to quality education in these trying times through the “Back-to-School” campaign. The campaign hopes to not only raise enough money to sponsor learning materials for students but also highlight the need to create a more meaningful future for them.

“Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, it is inspiring to see a number of most vulnerable children continue to have access to quality education. With your support to World Vision’s Back To School campaign, we can sustain their learning and help them reach their full potential. Together, we can look forward to a bright future,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, World Vision National Director.

 Celebrity Ambassador Jasmine Curtis Smith 

Last year, World Vision’s “Back-to-School” campaign has helped 64,000 children by raising funds to provide school kits and printed modules for students in remote areas. This year, World Vision strives to help even more as they carry the same mission with the campaign’s Celebrity Ambassador Jasmine Curtis Smith and World Vision Advocate Scarlet Snow Belo.

“The pandemic has severely hindered many children’s opportunities to have a good education, but we’re hoping that World Vision’s ‘Back-to-School’ campaign could help them in any way and that everyone can find their reasons to support a child. This is a cause I really believe in, and I stand with World Vision in ensuring that these children reach their full potential through education,” said Jasmine Curtis Smith.

In line with the advocacy of the Back to School campaign, Jasmine Curtis-Smith recently donated to World Vision 1,500 children’s books that aim to educate kids on proper and secure use of the internet. The donated books will go to at least a thousand children in Malabon.

World Vision Celebrity Ambassador Jasmine Curtis-Smith donates books for World Vision

Help create a more meaningful future for our children by supporting World Vision’s Back-to-School campaign at https://wvph.co/OfficialPRB2S. 

For as low as Php 600, you can give students in remote areas the materials they need for their education, including school kits, printed modules, and gadgets for learning.

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.

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.

World Vision and ComCo SEA join forces for Cause Marketing for Good initiative for MSMEs

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Global development and advocacy organization World Vision and regional integrated communications agency ComCo Southeast Asia through its Citizen ComCo initiative continue their mission of giving companies and brands opportunities to give back, this time with a focus on supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the Cause Marketing for Good Virtual Conference.

(From top left) World Vision Donor Education Specialist Caroline Veronilla, ComCo Southeast Asia Regional Integration & Chief Executive Director Ferdinand Bondoy, Lazada Strategic Partnerships Senior Associate Yshana Wong, AirAsia Head of Branding and Creatives David Viray, World Vision Resource Development Director Jun Godornes, World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte and IdeasXMachina Group Of Hakuhodo CEO Third Domingo

Created and organized by World Vision and ComCo Southeast Asia, the Cause Marketing for Good Virtual Conference is part of the organization’s larger initiative to orient MSMEs on the value of cause-related marketing or CRM, which is especially relevant in today’s pandemic environment, and to equip them on how to champion social issues through their marketing efforts.

Happening on July 21, 2 p.m., the online conference will include sessions on defining CRM, CRM’s impact on sales from AirAsia, and how to use e-commerce to forward your cause from Lazada. There will also be a panel discussion on how to create effective CRM campaigns featuring experts and practitioners of the field such as ComCo Southeast Asia for public relations and Ideas X Machina for creatives.

The ongoing pandemic has had a massive effect on the economy, with MSMEs taking the brunt of this as they make up 99.5% of business establishments in the Philippines and employ 62.4% of the country’s workforce according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. MSMEs are currently facing huge hurdles to keep their businesses afloat, especially in the face of quarantine regulations and economic slowdown.

But with the challenge brought about by the pandemic comes bayanihan spirit – the value of Filipino community as they work together towards a common goal. This has urged individuals, communities, organizations, and even brands and companies, to band together and help each other during this crisis. It has also shown us how Filipino consumers, especially millennials and Gen Zers, are responding positively to brands and companies who support advocacies and stand for causes and values that they believe in.

According to the Global Millennial Survey 2021 by professional services firm Deloitte, millennials and Gen Zers are concerned about the positive impact of businesses on society. These generations of consumers tend to make decisions aligned with their values, with more than a quarter of respondents saying that businesses’ impact on the environment influence their buying decisions, expecting brands to be aligned with their personal values before they invest in their products or services.

In the eyes of consumers, businesses can and have the responsibility to do good – and doing good actually makes for good business. Through the Cause Marketing for Good Campaign and Virtual Conference, World Vision and ComCo Southeast Asia look forward to helping more MSMEs build strong connections with their customers through effective and sustainable cause-related marketing campaigns – ones that allow them to sell while also creating a positive social impact in the Philippines.

Participants may register for the Cause Marketing for Good Virtual Conference at wvph.co/CauseMarketingForGood.

To know more about World Vision and ComCo Southeast Asia’s partnership, visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter. 

For more information on World Vision Philippines and its other initiatives, call the World Vision hotline number at 8372-77-77 or Ms. Wichelle Cruz of Private Sector Partnerships Manager at 0917-511-6640.

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.

About ComCo Southeast Asia

ComCo Southeast Asia or ComCo SEA is a trailblazing and global award-winning integrated communications agency powered by the coalition of premier brand architects, inspired storytellers, and communication trailblazers in the region. Based in the Philippines with affiliate network presence in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, ComCo SEA takes the lead in the innovation of premier brands and growth of up-and-coming businesses through the emerging global disciplines of New PR – a strategy based, content-driven, and channel-agnostic way of doing PR, and Smart Social – a holistic, authentic and integrated approach in the maximization of digital and social channels, to effectively reach and engage audiences and help influence change. To know more about ComCo Southeast Asia, visit www.comcosea.com.

World Vision highlights child protection and peacebuilding in the Marawi Week of Peace

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Child-focused NGO World Vision Development Foundation conducted a series of child protection and peace-building activities during the celebration of the Marawi Week of Peace, spearheaded by the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

World Vision provided school bags, notebooks and pens with learning materials promoting child protection to at least 1,679 students from five public schools.

In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the Ministry of Basic Higher Technical and Madaris Education and the Marawi Operation Center, World Vision also conducted mental health and psychosocial support activities for 90 parents and 60 children.

Rommel V. Fuerte, World Vision’s National Director in the Philippines shared, “It has been a great honor for us to work with TFBM, the city government of Marawi, and all government agencies and partners towards building back a better Marawi, where children can thrive and fulfill their dreams”. Fuerte encouraged everyone to achieve hope, joy, and justice for all children.

To help families augment their daily food needs, promote nutrition, and maintain good health especially of children, World Vision also distributed 400 packs of vegetable seeds such as eggplant, pechay, okra, and string beans to supported barangays.

Handwashing facilities were also constructed in five World Vision-assisted communities, including one that was launched opened during the Week of Peace in an effort to also fight the COVID-19 pandemic through access to water and hygiene facilities.

It has been four years since World Vision started its emergency and recovery response and other child-focused programs to complement the government’s efforts and assist thousands of affected civilians and displaced families in the aftermath of the violent city-wide armed clash which massively devastated Marawi in May 2017.

World Vision, globally, also observes the United Nations’ World Refugee Day to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home countries or displaced internally, to escape conflict for safety and protection. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.

Currently, World Vision implements two projects namely the Urban Child Protection Project and the Marawi Peace and Protection Project-Phase which promotes peacebuilding among the youth, education, child protection in schools and the communities among others. Both projects aim to cover a total of 12 barangays with 6,800 children as target beneficiaries.

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Celebrities support World Vision in bringing hope during these difficult times

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World Vision Ambassadors Go All Out For “A Year of Firsts” Instagram Live Series

In line with the ongoing “A Year of Firsts” campaign of World Vision Philippines, the celebrity ambassadors of the child-focused organization gave their full support through the “A Year of Firsts” Instagram Live Series.

The Instagram Live Series featured World Vision Ambassadors Christian Bautista, Enzo Pineda, Marc Nelson, and Joyce Pring with her husband and World Vision supporter Juancho Triviño, in a live Q&A event as they reveal something they will do for the first time this year.

For the premiere episode, World Vision Ambassador Christian Bautista shared his experience of becoming a child sponsor and offered his first song written this year. Meanwhile, World Vision Ambassador Enzo Pineda shared his advocacies for education and conducted a mini-storytelling session for the young viewers. World Vision Ambassador Marc Nelson accepted the challenge of writing a letter to his sponsored child in Tagalog. World Vision Ambassador Joyce Pring with her husband, Juancho Triviño, expressed their excitement and anticipation as they enter a new season this year as first-time parents.

World Vision Ambassador Marc Nelson

World Vision Ambassador Christian Bautista

World Vision Ambassador Enzo Pineda

World Vision Ambassador Joyce Pring

Each episode of the live series ran for 30 minutes and streamed simultaneously on the ambassador and World Vision’s respective Instagram accounts. The episodes are currently available for viewing on World Vision’s social media assets.

“We are so grateful that our ambassadors are once again supporting one of the key initiatives of World Vision this year. Together with our ambassadors, we are hoping that the ‘A Year of Firsts’ campaign will touch the hearts of many people and let them know that they too can make a difference in the lives of Filipino children and help them have a new start”, said World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte.

Zelle Eliz gives hope to Typhoon-affected families thru a fundraising drive of ABLOOM

Zelle Eliz, a half-Filipino and half-Malaysian based in Canada, is an up-and-coming artist of her generation. With hit singles like A. O. N., Kaleidoscope Adventures, and That’s Okay (available on Spotify and Youtube), Zelle definitely has a promising future in the music industry.

Zelle Eliz is an excellent and passionate singer with a big heart for fellow Filipinos. Upon hearing the news about how Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses have displaced thousands of families in the Philippines, she felt the urgency to respond in a way that would make an impact to those greatly affected.

Last February, Zelle Eliz launched a fundraising drive of her debut album, “Abloom”. For every purchase, part of the proceeds will be donated to World Vision’s projects that aim to sustain Typhoon-stricken families and communities.

“I’ve always believed that we are proponents of change and that we must all come together and participate in changing the world, no matter how small the contribution may be,” shared Zelle Eliz. “Abloom is my humble way of sharing the gift and the power of music, to empower the voiceless with voice, as an instrument in transforming the lives of those in need”.

Also, through this partnership with World Vision, Zelle Eliz aims to empower those in need by raising awareness, volunteering in outreach programs, and supporting the education of the most vulnerable children.

To know more about World Vision and how you can support, visit www.worldvision.org.ph/our-work/

Follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram to be updated on World Vision’s work in the Philippines.

 

About World Vision

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.

Top Business Leaders in Cebu converge for World Vision’s 2nd virtual CSR Summit

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This March 23, 2021, World Vision is doing a follow-up event to the CSR Summit that will focus on Cebu and will highlight partners from different sectors that contribute to the province’s continued fight against COVID-19, and to other programs and projects that help the poor and vulnerable children and families.

Recently, the World Vision Philippines’ CSR Summit Cebu Media Launch was held via zoom webinar conference with Mr. Rommel Fuerte – World Vision National Director, Mr. Walter Cang - Secretary, Rotary Club of Cebu, Ms. Riella Mae Christa Guioguio - COO, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Felix Taguiam, President, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Faith Sy, World Vision Program Manager in Cebu, Richard Hendin, World Vision Foundation Member, and Jun Godornes, World Vision Resource Development Director.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, various countries have been striving to find ways on how to deal with this global crisis that continues to affect the world today.

One year after the first declaration of a lockdown in the Philippines, Filipinos remain determined and resilient in their fight against this pandemic, including other social and economic issues caused by it.

It’s remarkable how various sectors are coming together in ensuring that Filipinos are healthy, safe, and protected, most especially the marginalized and vulnerable.

Businesses are coming up with ways to extend assistance to those who are in great need. Companies’ CSR programs aim to improve health facilities, support the frontliners, and provide food and financial assistance to affected communities.

As a follow-up to last year’s successful virtual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Summit of World Vision in the Philippines, distinguished business leaders from Cebu are coming together to share their experiences and learnings during the pandemic at World Vision’s virtual CSR Summit in Cebu this March 23, 2021 at 2:00 pm, streamed live on World Vision Philippines’ Facebook page.

It was May of last year when Cebu City was recorded as having the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country. But in only six months, data scientists from the University of the Philippines’ OCTA research group and the Department of Health said Cebu City had flattened its curve. The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) applauded both the public and private sectors for helping Visayas fight the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Cebu, Negros Occidental, and the rest of Western Visayas.

Through this CSR Summit, World Vision aims to discuss the significant role and relevance of a company’s CSR during critical times, and to inspire businesses and other organizations in the private sector to develop and implement CSR campaigns to be able to reach and improve more lives.

"World Vision is privileged to once again hold the Corporate Social Responsibility Summit in Cebu. God’s work is truly amazing as we witness how our partner organizations implement their CSR initiatives,” shared World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte. “Let’s continue working together to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children, their families and communities."

Business industry leaders joining World Vision’s virtual CSR Summit in Cebu are Cebu Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, Golden Prince Hotel & Suites, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Rotary Club of Cebu, and the Singapore School Cebu.

World Vision would like to thank the following event partners—Cebu Chamber of Commerce, Inc., JCI Cebu, JCI Plaridel del Pilar, Public Relations Society of the Philippines, and Rotary Club of Cebu.

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.

 

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. 

 

Communities are better prepared to combat OSEC, Child labor trafficking

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The cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Taguig and the municipality of Cordova are now better equipped to fight Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) and Child Labor Trafficking (CLT) as a result of World Vision’s work in these cities under the Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership.

The CPC Partnership is a multi-year plan developed between the U.S. Department of State and the Philippines Department of Justice's Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), demonstrating the shared commitment of the two governments to strengthen efforts to prosecute and convict child traffickers, provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care for victims of child trafficking crimes, and improve existing community-based mechanisms to prevent and combat OSEC and CLT cases in the Philippines.

Implementation of objectives and activities under this CPC partnership is carried out by non-governmental organizations focused on anti-trafficking efforts, including International Justice Mission and its sub-recipient, World Vision.

“Helping keep children safe from any form of harm and abuse is a mission which partnerships can do so well. As we conclude the Child Protection Compact Project, allow me to thank our partner organizations and governments. May our achievements today continue to inspire more people in the future to positively impact the lives of vulnerable children,” shares World Vision Philippines National Director, Rommel V. Fuerte.

World Vision’s focus is on strengthening existing community-based systems and services meant for the protection and recovery of children affected by OSEC and CLT, and preventing these crimes.

For over four years of implementation, local government units in the barangay level reactivated their Barangay Child Protection Council with integration of anti OSEC and CLT advocacies. Community groups and key individuals such as faith-based organizations, care groups, students, and government officials became empowered and are now the guardians in their respective communities. A guidebook was also formulated for both duty bearers and CLT survivors. Academic institutions, especially the University of San Carlos and the University of the Southern Philippines, joined World Vision in its work, extending the reach of the program. Local government units also changed some of its existing programs based on World Vision's research-based recommendations.

“Partnerships are essential to ensure that all the hard work in protecting the most vulnerable children continues after a program concludes. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with World Vision under the Child Protection Compact. I am confident that the seeds we’ve planted together, all the successes we share, will continue to bear fruit,” says Atty. Samson Inocencio, Regional Vice President of the IJM Global Hub Against Online Sexual Exploitation of Children and National Director of IJM Philippines.

A youth advocate of anti-OSEC and CLT campaigns

Angel, a 17-year-old student, is empowered and became a champion of anti-OSEC and CLT campaigns. She was part of the many capacity-building workshops of World Vision in 2019 and became an advocate ever since.

“Youth empowerment is the key to fight CLT and OSEC. When they are informed and empowered, they have a better chance to protect themselves from abuse and exploitation,” Angel expressed.

A celebration highlighting World Vision's work was held virtually and it was participated by around 750 participants who are part of the project. The celebration was also streamed live on Facebook.

World Vision and its Partners continue in their legacy of changing the lives of the most vulnerable children

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As the Philippines welcomed another year, most Filipinos are anxious to see what the future holds. With everything the country experienced last 2020, a lot of people are doing their best to make the coming year different. Some have decided to make resolutions and pursue new opportunities, but for others, it is to continue the legacy of changing lives.

World Vision, together with its partners, continues the mission of helping the most vulnerable children and their communities led by its vision of seeing thousands or even millions of kids reach fullness of life. 

Through its campaign “A New Year of Firsts”, World Vision invites their sponsors to empower a child by enabling him or her to experience powerful and life-changing moments of firsts such as, for the first time a family could eat until they were full, a village could have clean water, a child could have all she needs to continue going to school, and a child could feel safe and protected.

First Bountiful Harvest 

For 14-year-old Karie, life was a series of hunger and fear of starvation – made worse with the onslaught of COVID-19. Yet, it was during this period that Karie and her family experienced a miracle she never imagined possible. 

For the first time ever, she could wake up without worrying if there was enough food to eat. On the contrary, they had enough food to last them through the endless days of lockdown, even after the pandemic stripped the family of their only source of income.

With the seeds World Vision provided them and with training in sustainable farming techniques, for the first time, Karie’s backyard was home to a flourishing vegetable garden – a gift that could change her life for good. 

The Legacy of Firsts

World Vision Philippines has been helping children and their families out of poverty worldwide for over 60 years. With child sponsorship, children and their communities receive an opportunity for a better future. 

“You don’t have to be rich to sponsor a child. All you need is the desire to be a bearer of hope”, shared Mae, a child sponsor through World Vision for 10 years.

Child sponsorship is not only making a difference in the lives of World Vision assisted communities, but is also transforming their donors as they experience a series of beautiful firsts with their sponsored children.

“We are deeply grateful to all our partners for reaching out to the most vulnerable children. God first loved us so we are able to show kindness to others. This year, may we be encouraged to help transform the lives of children and their families through child sponsorship”, said World Vision National Director Rommel V. Fuerte.

To know how you can become a child sponsor, visit www.worldvision.org.ph/sponsor-child/. 

You may also follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram to know more about World Vision’s work in the Philippines.

About World Vision 

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. 

P&G continues to be a force for good for communities this Christmas

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MANILA PHILIPPINES – Procter & Gamble Philippines (P&G) is bringing comforts of home to communities by donating hygiene kits and products to thousands of families affected by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses. The leading health and hygiene products manufacturer partnered with the Philippine Red Cross, World Vision Philippines, and the local governments of Marikina, Cabuyao and Taguig to bring relief to communities for Christmas.

“P&G has always believed in becoming a force for good and growth for the country, and this is especially true during the holiday season and after what the Philippines and the world have been through. For P&G, our hygiene brands are our main contribution to sharing comforts and experience of home to Filipino families this Christmas,” says Raffy Fajardo, President and General Manager of P&G Philippines. 

P&G and its partners donated products to communities in Albay, Catanduanes, Cagayan, Isabela, and the cities of Marikina, Cabuyao, and Taguig. Philippine Red Cross will distribute 4,000 hygiene packs for families in Cagayan and Isabela, while World Vision hygiene gift packs will reach over 3,000 families in Albay and Catanduanes.

On top of providing relief for affected communities, P&G continues to extend this care for its employees, the company’s number one priority, amid the difficult times. The company launched the Alagang P&G program, which aims to care for its workforce. On top of ensuring their health and safety with various benefits, P&G’s Vibrant Living wellness program was redesigned to champion the new work-from-home lifestyle in the better normal. The program introduced online classes and programs on fitness, mental health, and even spiritual recollections.

For frontliners, P&G repurposed its manufacturing operations in Cabuyao, Laguna to fulfill its pledge with the DOH and partner health institutions to produce one million medical-grade face masks, which has now been doubled to benefit more medical frontliners who continue to need PPEs. The Safeguarding the Front-liners program gave hygiene kits to over 15,000 frontliners and 5,000 PPE suits to COVID-19 hospitals in Metro Manila and Laguna at the beginning of ECQ in March.

P&G also collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to launch a nationwide education campaign for better health habits called BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 which has also won P&G three special awards from PANAta Awards by the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA).

“Even before the pandemic, P&G has always been guided by our core principles of caring for our employees as our number one priority, serving our consumers with our trusted and essential health and hygiene brands and stepping up for communities in need. This is something we have strongly committed to and we will continue to do in the coming new year as a force for good and a force for growth for the country,” says Raffy.

The Philippine Play Coalition is inviting families, organizations to join National Play Advocacy Week 2020

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Together, let’s Make Play Happen for Every Child even during this pandemic 

Play is essential to a child’s holistic health, and each of us can do our part that every child gets to exercise their right to play. 

The National Play Advocacy Week (NPAW), happening on November 16 to 22, is a week dedicated to highlighting the right of every child to play, and its importance to their holistic wellbeing. This initiative is led and organized by the Philippine Play Coalition (PPC), a network of child-focused organizations, Council for the Welfare of Children, Unilab Foundation, World Vision, Tukod Foundation, Educo Philippines, Unang Hakbang Foundation, and Kythe Foundation. PPC is also supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Youth Commission (NYC). 

Over the past three years, NPAW has been celebrated every third week of November as part of the National Children’s Month. Believing that play is a right, It has already been able to reach more than 150,000 Filipinos and gave access to play to more than 15,000 children across 15 regions of the country. It has also brought together more than 250 various organizations and government agencies as it strives to continuously deepen the impact of play in improving the quality of lives of Filipino children. 

Now in its fourth year, the Philippine Play Coalition, together with its partners, will conduct this year’s NPAW in a time where play is needed the most. In the face of COVID-19 pandemic, and other natural disasters, play is very important to a child's natural means of expression and coping, that not only provides them rest and leisure, but is also fundamental in their holistic development and wellbeing. 

NPAW is set to reimagine play as it happens this coming November 16-22, 2020. The event kicks off with an online town hall on November 16, 2020 where children and their families are encouraged to express their concerns relevant to play especially in the time where we face not only a virus outbreak but also other disasters like the typhoon Rolly which recently struck most parts of the country and wreaked havoc in the Bicol region. 

With the National Children’s Month theme, “Sama-samang Itaguyod ang Karapatan ng Bata sa Panahon ng Pandemya”, the NPAW 2020 aligns its cause with its theme: “Making Play Happen: Reimagining Play in The Time of Crisis”. 

School closure, physical distancing requirements, and home confinement as a result of COVID-19 have dramatically reduced young children’s access to early learning and play opportunities and appropriate care and wellbeing. [1] According to UNICEF, 188 countries have imposed countrywide school closures, affecting more than 1.6 billion children and youth. [2] Many children are therefore not able to actively participate in their regular activities outside of their homes. Under such conditions, many tend to be less physically active, have longer screen time, and may affect their holistic wellbeing and development.

According to the United Nation’s Policy Brief on COVID-19 and Children, “there are three main ways children are affected by the crisis and this includes infection with the virus itself, immediate socioeconomic impacts of measures to stop virus transmission and end the pandemic, and the potential longer-term effects of delayed implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

The pandemic and the typhoon may have brought life to a standstill and its impact amongst children risks as catastrophic, but it doesn’t mean that the right of the child to play has to come to a pause. 

According to Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child, and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts. Unfortunately, play is considered as “laru-laro lang” in many households and communities -- a mindset that causes most Filipino families to view it as trivial, useless, and unimportant. Play tends to be one of the most neglected rights of a child in the country. 

Anyone can help press play for every child this year. NPAW 2020 encourages to take play initiatives that can be coursed through its partnership platform at bit.ly/NPAW2020Partners. 

An NPAW 2020 Partner’s Toolkit can also be downloaded at bit.ly/NPAW2020Toolkit. The toolkit serves as a guideline in conducting play activities at home or through online platforms. It features the benefits of play and also contains communication materials that can be used to advertise the coolest play extravaganza of the year. You can also visit www.facebook.com/PhilippinePlayCoalition to see what more awaits you there. 

The pandemic won’t stop NPAW 2020 from soaring to new heights and aspiring for a better normal for every Filipino child. Whether offline or online, NPAW 2020 is making play happen, one community at a time. 

Join us in championing every child’s right to play! Join the National Play Advocacy Week on November 16 to 22, 2020 by organizing your own play activity at home and through online platforms, promoting play through different forms of media, or making noise about NPAW 2020 through your advocacies and brands. 

For partnerships and more information about the National Play Advocacy Week, please contact +63 917 326 2092 or email playcoalition.ph@gmail.com. 

You may also visit www.facebook.com/PhilippinePlayCoalition.

World Vision ensures a bright future for the most vulnerable children thru Give Hope campaign

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Months have passed since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and it is still a great risk to a lot of lives today. But even though children have not been significantly affected by the virus, they continue to be extremely vulnerable to the negative impacts. 

Last May 2020, World Vision conducted a rapid assessment and the study revealed that 92% of the household respondents’ livelihoods were disrupted, with the daily or casual laborers as those severely affected. This resulted to 60%-68% of the households being unable to meet their family’s daily requirements to survive.

The assessment showed that food security has worsened during the pandemic as their average food spending was further reduced from Php 1,797.06 to Php 1,184.82. This shows the importance of immediate planning and implementation of projects/ activities that will cater to our kababayans in need. 

World Vision launched “Give Hope” campaign last June to appeal for school kits for the children in its assisted communities. Spearheaded by World Vision Ambassadors Joyce Pring and Leia Valenciano, the goal of the campaign was to make continued learning possible for the children despite the interruption of classes in the formal education setting brought about by the pandemic. 

Through initiatives like “Give Hope”, World Vision continues to advocate the welfare of the most vulnerable children as among the priorities today. The organization invites its constituents and the public to keep on engaging in opportunities that will not only spark hope but change the lives of more children and their communities. 

Through the generous support of its individual donors and corporate partners, 14,549 children from World Vision assisted communities have received school kits in time for the opening of the school year. The contents of each school kit are appropriate to the grade level of the children. 

“On behalf of the thousands of children who received their school kits, thank you very much. This noble endeavor is a strong reminder that no matter what the situation is, hope that is found in the Lord will find its way to our hearts and minds, and ultimately allow us to enjoy helping one another. God bless you a hundredfold”, said World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte. 

World Vision would like to acknowledge the generosity of its corporate partner, Robinsons Supermarket Corporation, for sponsoring 400 school kits. The organization would also like to recognize all the individual donors who contributed so that thousands of children today are inspired to keep pursuing their dreams and live life to the full. 

For updates, like and follow World Vision Philippines on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit their official website www.worldvision.org.ph. 

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. 

Las Piñas school heads initiate voluntary drive to support World Vision’s Abutin Na10

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A week after the launch of World Vision’s Abutin Na10 (to be read as ‘na-ten’) campaign, DepEd Las Piñas initiated a city-wide advocacy drive among its stakeholders to support the country’s Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan. 

“We are a family under one country so we ought to be compassionate for others who are in need, especially the most vulnerable children,” said Dr. Joel Torrecampo, Superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office of Las Piñas City.

Dr. Torrecampo, known by his colleagues to be hands-on and tech-savvy, immediately posted an appeal to his social media groups followed mostly by his fellow DepEd officials and school heads. He led a simple voluntary ‘pass the hat’ initiative to help last-mile learners cope with the impact of COVID-19.

Turnover of Abutin Na10 donation: Las Piñas City Schools Division Office Superintendent Dr. Joel T. Torrecampo, DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and Project Management Service, Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq., World Vision Education Manager Geomel P. Jetonzo, and Pulang Lupa Elementary School Principal III Dr. Aileen O. Ballaran

In less than two weeks, they were able to raise Php 70,000, which they turned over to World Vision Education Manager Geomel P. Jetonzo and DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service and Project Management Service, Atty. Tonisito M.C. Umali, Esq.

In a recent return of blessing to the school division’s initiative, the local government of Las Piñas recently confirmed the provision of educational equipment, gadgets and hygiene kits to be used by its teachers and students while in the new normal.

“I believe it is our collective resolve here in Las Piñas City, our students and their parents, teachers and principals, together with our local government, to be of humble service to those in dire need, so our children will be able to reach their dreams, and not stop schooling because of this pandemic,” shared Dr. Torrecampo, who in his younger years endured walking several kilometres just to attend and eventually finish school. Believing that this pandemic has opened a horizon of generosity, he decided to support schools of other provinces through the Abutin Na10 fund drive. 

World Vision Philippines National Director Rommel V. Fuerte shared that “our rapid impact assessment reveals that one of the top most critical problems faced by children and their parents during the COVID-19 pandemic is education opportunities, aside from food security and access to health care.”

Of the children respondents, 21% said they are either unwilling or unsure to attend school (face-to-face or blended learning) when classes start this August. The other 89% of those surveyed anticipate challenges on the use of online learning platforms while 38% do not have access to internet. Their parents share the same sentiments including the absence of gadgets.

It is because of these challenges and many others that World Vision Philippines and the Department of Education partnered for Abutin Na10: Para sa Sampung Milyong Mag-aaral, Sampung Piso, Sampung Araw, Sampung Milyong Pilipino. 

““With millions of Filipinos taking part in this endeavor, last-mile learners can continue their education while ensuring that their lives are not at risk due to COVID-19,” Fuerte shared. He explained that the funds will be used by DepEd for the printing of self-learning materials and/or procurement of gadgets to support the children’s blended or distance learning from home.

During the campaign launch Abutin Na10, no less than the DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones commended this worthy effort and asserted that “education must continue with or without the threat of the COVID-19 because it is perhaps the greatest legacy we can leave our learners and our children.” The education chief also said that we should ensure that "the health, safety and well-being of learners, teachers and personnel are protected.”

To support Abutin Na10, visit worldvision.org.ph/abutin-na10/ and facebook.com/AbutinNa10.

Gretchen Ho inspires young girls to dream big through World Vision’s 1,000 Girls campaign

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Gretchen Ho is the official ambassador in the Philippines for World Vision’s campaign, “1,000 Girls”. This year’s theme is “#GirlsCan”. By focusing on issues faced by young girls today due to the on-going pandemic, the challenge is to respond to their most urgent needs to help realize their full potential and have a better future. 

Gretchen’s support for this campaign is rooted on her belief that every girl has the capacity to be empowered and to overcome, but she also acknowledged the importance of support from family and friends. “It isn’t always easy to fight on your own. That’s why we need to provide them with support, guidance, resources and opportunities to be able to maximize their potential. Many girls are at a disadvantage because of their economic background or family set-ups. Sometimes, the only thing that a girl needs is a helping hand,” said Gretchen.

Through World Vision’s child sponsorship program, these young girls will have access to learning and development opportunities that are sustainable, community-driven, and long-term solutions. 

Gretchen sees education as one of the best ways to equip the youth. “Through education, a world of opportunities opens up for a young girl. If that young girl is able to build her self-confidence through those opportunities, there is potential to become a leader,” explained Gretchen. “In today’s world, where there is so much injustice, inequality, hatred and discrimination, we need the strengths of a female to overcome. We need more female voices to be heard”.

World Vision partners with different stakeholders including the local community to build resilient families and create an enabling environment for the children. By allowing them to have access to education, nutritious food, and clean water, to enjoy quality health services, and to participate in spiritual nurture activities, these young girls are being empowered so they too can one day be agents of change.

“World Vision is excited to share with everyone an opportunity to help children meet their needs. The 1000 Girls campaign is one that highlights empowerment for education, health and protection. Your support will give hope to every child especially during this time,” said Rommel Fuerte, World Vision’s National Director.

“My message to all the young girls out there is — I believe you can make it. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Make the most out of what you have. If you have less in life, ask for help. If you have more in life, help others. There is room for success for everyone. Believe in yourself, be resourceful, be creative and you will conquer,” shared Gretchen. 

To know how you can support “1,000 Girls” by sponsoring a girl today, visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/1000girls/. You may also follow /worldvisionph on Facebook and @worldvisionphl on Instagram for updates. 

About World Vision 

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.