Leia Valenciano takes the lead in inspiring children thru World Vision’s Give Hope campaign

 

World Vision in the Philippines welcomes to its family Leia Valenciano as its ambassador for Give Hope campaign.

 

Nataleia Martine, known to many as “Leia”, is the 3-year old daughter of Director Paolo Valenciano and wife Photographer/ Graphic Designer Samantha Godinez-Valenciano. Paolo and Sam are also World Vision ambassadors and actively supporting the organization thru various projects.

 

Give Hope is about letting children’s dreams live on

 

Based on World Vision’s rapid assessment in the Philippines on the impact of COVID-19 to children, their families and communities, learning opportunities or education for the young generation is one of the most critical problems in the country.

 

As a child-focused non-profit organization that is committed to ensuring that children are able to reach their full potential, World Vision launched Give Hope to challenge the nation to work together in making our homes and communities places where children’s dreams continue to be realized.

 

Through the help of generous partners, World Vision aims to reach 28,000 children in their partner communities nationwide through this initiative.

 

No one is too young to make a change

 

Aside from encouraging the public to contribute in raising funds that will assist the children in continuing their education, World Vision believes that anyone can make a difference and give hope no matter how young or old you are!

 

“We support this back to school campaign and the importance of still equipping kids with learning materials to give them hope and keep them driven to learn even if they're not in their usual school setting,” shared Sam Valenciano. “We as parents have experienced the anxiety of adjusting to the new normal. We believe that this program will help not only the children but the parents as well”

 

Just like her parents, Leia is excited that she is beginning her journey with World Vision where at the age of 3, she is able to make a long-lasting impact for the benefit of the most vulnerable children today.

 

“This World Vision campaign is made even sweeter with Leia, one of our newest and youngest ambassadors! As she brings big smiles to our hearts, we hope that you too will continue to give hope to children though education. Together with Leia, let’s give school kits to many students across the country”, said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, World Vision National Director.

 

 

Join Leia Valenciano in supporting World Vision’s Give Hope campaign! Click this link to donate: https://www.worldvision.org.ph/donate/school-kits/

 

To know more about World Vision and its programs for the most vulnerable children and communities in the Philippines, you may visit 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.

 

###

COVID-19 response and emerging challenges for children

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emergency continues to be an overwhelming challenge in the Philippines as the national government extends the localized general and enhanced community quarantines. However, while the government implements necessary measures to combat the spread of disease, these have brought unintended consequences with significant impacts to children.

In a study conducted from March to April 2020 (Children’s voices in times of COVID-19^[1]), World Vision International consulted 101 children from 13 countries, including the Philippines, to learn about their perceptions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey concluded that the main concerns for children are school disruptions, emotional distress, and increasing poverty.

The study may be accessed here: https://www.wvi.org/publications/report/child-participation/childrens-voices-times-covid-19-continued-child-activism

Temporary school closures, although necessary for their safety during the outbreak, deprive children of opportunities for learning and development. Loss of livelihood due to movement restrictions leaves families with little or no income, and dependent on government subsidy (if available to them). These factors are also causing children emotional distress, as they cope with the “new normal.” 71% of the children consulted by World Vision feel lonely or isolated due to school closures. 91% of the respondents feel emotional distress or are troubled due to isolation or social distancing, and the uncertainty of how long the crisis will last.

It is also alarming that children are also more at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse when quarantine measures trap them with their abusers at home, and as a result of their families’ loss of income. In Cebu, a woman and her live-in partner were arrested for live streaming a girl’s sexual abuse in exchange for money. In Luzon (unidentified city/municipality), seven children aged 7 to 14 were rescued from a cybersex trafficking den. Four of them are the suspect’s own children. These are only two of the rescue operations that occurred since the declaration of community quarantines.^[2]

Almost two months on, World Vision Philippines continues to deliver support for the COVID-19 emergency response. Aside from the provision of supplies and equipment (tents for isolation areas, mobile storage units, personal protective equipment, and disinfection kits) to hospitals and health centers, it has distributed 33.8 tons of fresh vegetables to about 16,178 families to aid in their sustenance. As of May 14, 2020, World Vision has reached over 3 million people through mass media, face-to-face orientation (before the declaration of enhanced community quarantines), and distribution of awareness materials. Moving forward, the organization will keep providing all mentioned above, including cash transfer for 15,000 families, and will support children’s education by developing and providing home learning materials.

Amid these ongoing response measures, World Vision recognizes the need to call on government and other agencies to collaborate in addressing emerging challenges that affect children.

• Ensure social protection measures are in place for the most vulnerable by providing families with both cash and food assistance to meet children’s immediate basic needs. 
• Promote optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and breastfeeding during emergencies, and support programmes that prevent micronutrient deficiencies among children under 5 years old.
• Incorporate mental healthcare or psychosocial support in COVID-19 response initiatives.
• Strengthen and maintain operations of child protection mechanisms, such as child-friendly means of reporting and prompt delivery of services to reported incidents of abuse.
• To address continuity of learning, the government and the media can limit the impact of school closures and education disruption by rolling out child-friendly distance education methods such as TV, radio, or online learning. It is also necessary to consider inclusive alternatives for children who may not have access to the internet and/or electronic devices.
• Finally, we call on government, private sector, and non-government organizations to continue coordination of COVID-19 response efforts, keeping children in the center of it all.

Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, World Vision remains optimistic that together, we can create a better and safer world for children. 

---

[1] World Vision International (2020). Retrieved from https://www.wvi.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/WV-Children%E2%80%99s%20voices%20in%20the%20time%20of%20COVID-19%20Final.pdf

[2] Rappler.com (April 25, 2020). Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/258987-trapped-with-abusers-children-rescued-from-sex-trafficker-luzon

World Vision calls for donation in ongoing relief efforts for communities affected by Taal Volcano eruption

Child-focused organization World Vision is calling for donations and volunteers to support their ongoing relief efforts for the immediate needs of the people affected by Taal Volcano’s unrest.

Aside from monetary donations to support the operations in progress, World Vision is also accepting emergency essentials such as dust masks that will be distributed in evacuation centers in Batangas.

“World Vision is committed to support the families, especially the children, who are in difficult situation because of the eruption. Our response team is already on the ground and will also be distributing hygiene kits, plastic mats, blankets, drinking water and other emergency essentials in the coming days,” said World Vision’s National Director Rommel Fuerte.

Alert level 4 remains hoisted over Taal Volcano which means that hazardous explosive eruption is imminent within hours or days. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) has already reported at least 280 volcanic eruptions and lava fountains generating 800-meter tall dark gray steam-laden plumes. The volcanic activities also prompted the education department to cancel the classes of more than five million students across four regions.

Mandatory evacuations have been enforced in communities living within the 14-kilometre radius of Taal Volcano’s crater. According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), there are at least 450,000 people within the danger zone who are the most vulnerable to “possible hazards of pyroclastic density currents and volcanic tsunami.”

11-year old Princess from Laurel, Batangas shared, "I pray that this will be over so we can go home soon." Her family is taking refuge in a school turned evacuation center, sharing a classroom with seven other families. Princess says it's cold in the evening, she could barely sleep.  She also gets terrified with the constant jolts caused by the restless Taal.

World Vision aims to initially support the immediate needs of 2,000 families or 10,000 individuals with provision of hygiene kits (bath and laundry soaps, toothbrushes and toothpastes, sanitary packs, nail cutter, undergarments and malong or tube skirt), non-food items (mosquito net, mats and blanket), dust mask and drinking water. Child-friendly spaces will also be set up to help children cope from the distress caused by the disaster while cash-for-work focusing on community clean-up will be implemented towards the early recovery phase of the response.

“With the continuous volcanic activities, we do not know when the affected children and their families will be able to go back to their homes. I appeal to our donors and partners to help us respond to their needs,” said Fuerte.

To support the affected children and their families, click this link to go to World Vision’s donation page: https://wvph.co/DonateForTaal. You may also call World Vision at (02) 8372-7777 or (0917) 866-4824.

For more information, 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.

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

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

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

“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.

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

“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.

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. https://www.worldvision.org.ph

Loyal Child Sponsors Honored for their Faithful Support and Generosity

With over 62 years of unwavering support, World Vision honors its relentless sup in the annual Loyal Donor Appreciation Night.

Poverty remains a reality in the Philippines where the poorest of the poor are not able to access opportunities to live with quality, if not decent lives. Families living below the poverty line become highly vulnerable, especially the children who are likely to most suffer due to risks such as disrupted education, illiteracy, inadequate health and nutrition among others. This is why caring organizations such as World Vision focuses its efforts to improve the well-being of children through its long-running initiative called Child Sponsorship. 

With the help of sponsors in the Philippines and from around the world, thousands of children have been assisted alongside World Vision through its sustainable community-based programs for children.

Thanks to the faithful and relentless support of loyal donors and supporters, children are was able to benefit from programs for education, child protection, health and nutrition, economic development, disaster risk reduction, and emergency response.

World Vision held its Loyal Donors Appreciation Night at the Meralco Multipurpose Hall in Pasig City to recognize generous individuals who have invested almost two decades of sponsoring children. The Loyal Donors Appreciation Night gathered at least 380 sponsors and guests.

The decision of sponsoring a child was a memorable yet an ironic journey for Jess Santelices. After losing his job as a telecom engineer, Jess incurred a lot of debts that left him bankrupt because of gambling. He suffered from depression, anxiety and panic attacks that lasted for five years, declaring it as the lowest point of his life. On October 2008, he stepped foot in a mall broke and alone and found himself in front of the World Vision booth, where he put out his hand and offered to sponsor a child, not knowing how a small act of kindness can greatly impact two lives at once. For years, he stayed true to his obligation and, during those years, God’s blessings overflowed. He was able to find a job in Qatar as a telecom engineer, where he worked for 9 years. His sponsorship has been lasting for almost 11 years and he is currently sponsoring 25 children and continues to support them, even though he has been unemployed for over a year.

“Never give up on them,” Jess encourages the donors, “Because God has never given up on you [financially, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically].”

Being a loyal donor is not a chore, but a blessing. Jess’s belief in giving has kept him faithful to serve and help others even in the toughest of circumstances.

Among the other highlights of the evening was the presence of successful sponsored children marching on stage wearing their graduation gowns for finishing senior high school.

One of the graduate sponsored children was May Ann, an 18-year-old sponsored child from Baseco in Tondo, Manila. A daughter of a construction worker who raises a brood of 8. With the help of World Vision and her sponsor, May Ann’s life changed for the better.

For Michael San Diego, a former World Vision sponsored child from Cavite, his story of being a “last chance” kid motivated him to strive for his best. Years ago, after stumbling upon World Vision in his local barangay, he became a college scholar which enabled him to graduate on time and earn a degree in Accountancy in flying colors -- Cum Laude no less! Today, Mike is now a Chief Finance Officer of JK Capital Finance, Inc. and has paid forward sponsoring children for 17 years now, and even offering his time and influence to tell his story and engage others to support World Vision.

“Our God works in mysterious ways. We are blessed when we’re willing to give,” Mike shared during the dinner, inspiring the loyal dinners to carry on what they are doing for children.

World Vision is strong because we have a God we can depend on, but also because we have loyal donors and sponsors to work with,” said Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. Our combined loyalty and faithfulness are unstoppable,” he added. In 2018 alone, World Vision has reached more than 2.9 Million children through its child-focused programs and interventions.

The number is still growing and one of the reasons could be you.

To know more about World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Program, visit www.worldvision.org.ph or call (02) 374-76-18 loc. 214.

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.

Advocates of AgriBusiness and Education Technology win World Vision Philippines’ first-ever Social Innovation Challenge

The agribusiness Plantsville and the education-focused organization Edukasyon.ph emerged as winners in Social Innovation Challenge (S.I.C.), World Vision’s competition for innovators creating sustainable solutions to challenges identified in real communities.

Plantsville, represented by November "Tina" Canieso-Yeo, is a joint effort with local government units (LGUs), eco-tourism organic bee and cinnamon groups that seek to flourish organic farming among youth by planting more “Food is Medicine” products, comprised of “healing foods” such as cinnamon and honey.

Caniseo-Yeo won the agriculture-focused first challenge of S.I.C. and will have the opportunity to have her idea implemented for the residents of Sogod, Cebu, who are currently experiencing the effects of climate change on soil, which is eventually affecting the livelihood of almost 1,000 farming households in the town.

Her co-winner, Edukasyon.ph, was granted to fund the project’s second challenge centered on the 500 out-of-school youth (OSY) in Brgy. Bucana, Davao City due to lack of sustainable livelihood in the area.

 

Represented by Patricia Matias, Ria Tagle, Jose Soberano, Pam Suanco, and Cristina Batalla, Edukasyon.ph aims to create an online portal tailored for OSY, thus creating a more convenient and accessible way to provide job and skills training opportunities fitting to each user.

The winning teams, who will have their ideas co-implemented by World Vision and its partners, for the communities of Sogod, Cebu and Brgy. Bucana, Davao, were chosen among the six (6) competing finalists through “The Final Pitch,” a culminating pitch session held at the Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

They were evaluated by a multi-sectoral panel of judges comprised of World Vision Ambassador for the Social Innovation Challenge Gretchen Ho, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Evelyn Lavina, Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, CNN Philippines’ The Final Pitch Host and Executive Producer John Aguilar, Hub of Innovation for Inclusion Director Abigail Mapua-Cabanilla, J Amado Araneta Foundation Executive Director Christine Diane Romero, and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for Community Economic Ventures, Inc. Rolly Solidum.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our finalists, especially our two winners. We saw the grit and passion in all of them to make a meaningful contribution to our communities at Sogod and Bucana, but we came to a decision to choose Plantsville and Edukasyon.ph because their ideas will harvest the best for the residents. The goal of this project is to be able to empower our communities, most especially the parents, so they would be able to provide for their children a healthy, safe, and sustainable life,” said Mr. Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Philippines.

A first for World Vision Philippines, the Social Innovation Challenge (S.I.C.) originated in World Vision Canada as an open platform for people to share creative ideas that can make a difference to people, especially in overlooked communities.

“There is untapped potential among every Filipino. Our participants for the first run of S.I.C. were diverse, from university students to small-to-medium-scale entrepreneurs. To sum it all up, everyone can ignite that hope,” Mr. Fuerte added.

“It’s a delight to listen to every idea pitched to us. We’re thrilled to listen to even more for the future edition of this project.”

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.