Philippines: programs & priorities

ChildFund Australia's affiliate organisation in the Philippines has been working in the country since 1954, and a national office was opened there in 1971. ChildFund in the Philippines currently assists approximately 445,000 children and family members.

Children in the Philippines face a number of daily challenges, including malnutrition and exposure to unsanitary environments. ChildFund's health programs provide check-ups, vitamins, immunisations and medication to at-risk children and mothers.

Children receive supplementary food to improve their diets, and families are educated about the importance of health and nutrition. In each program area, ChildFund in the Philippines runs initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of malnutrition among children under five years through height and weight monitoring. In particular, ChildFund in the Philippines monitors those children who need nutrition intervention to prevent developmental delays.

ChildFund's programs also encompass sanitation, micro-enterprise, education and childhood development. In Basilan, an infant and maternal health and tuberculosis treatment programs has been implemented. ChildFund in the Philippines is also involved in mobilising children and youth for participation in social reform programs, and promoting youth leadership councils; grassroots leadership development and community empowerment.

Development in progress

ChildFund in the Philippines' development work is focused on education. Without ChildFund's assistance, many children in the Philippines would not be able to attend school. ChildFund in the Philippines provides school fees in cases where families are unable to do so. Additionally, parents are able to further their education through participation in classes on literacy, health, family life and leadership.

Children in ChildFund-assisted areas also have access to Early Childhood Development activities and educational toys, which are critical to children's growth and development. In addition, parents and caregivers are trained in early childhood care and learn the importance of early childhood stimulation. For children aged three to six years, ChildFund day-care centres provide nutritious meals and supervised activities while parents work.