Philippines
help us fight poverty in the Philippines
Team Philippines
From hard-working staff to dedicated volunteers to smart and focused youth, it’s the people who make CI in the Philippines so special. Let’s meet some of Team Philippines!
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CI grad & staffer -
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CI coach & field officer
Videos
Issues in the Philippines
These are some of the most serious challenges that poor Filipinos are facing right now. But we’ve got a solid plan for tackling these issues. Want to learn more about our approach and programs?
Issue: Unemployment
The chances for youth to break out of poverty are grim. Lack of formal education holds them back — not just for lack of skills, but having the right attitude for the workplace. Needy kids often give up and turn to drugs or petty crime.
How we’re helping
Our Career Readiness program teaches teens job and life skills to help them succeed. The Into Employment® program connects talent with opportunity by training teens for in-demand jobs and then placing them in those jobs through agreements with local employers. Youth Health Corps educates teens about the dangers of drug use.
More about our employment programIssue: Teenage pregnancy
A lack of education and a need for belonging result in teens becoming sexually active long before they are ready. This often leads to unplanned pregnancy and contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
How we’re helping
Our Youth Health Corps is out here spreading the word about making smart choices. Teens educate their peers about the dangers of growing up too quickly, and distribute electronic babies for kids to take home and care for. (It’s a literal wake-up call for them!) Our community center staff is always available for advice and support on issues teens may be afraid to discuss with parents.
Issue: Malnutrition
The Philippines ranks ninth in the world for stunting (reduced growth rate) among children. As you can imagine, most of those kids live in poverty.
How we’re helping
Our approach to malnutrition starts early, by screening every child and identifying those who need intervention. Monitored supplemental feeding in our community center helps kids gain their strength and reach their appropriate weight-height ratio. Nutrition classes teach parents how to cook healthy meals on a budget.
More about our nutrition programStories from the Philippines
Daring to dream
Wearing a crisp, light-blue uniform, Connie stops to chat with two women as she walks to work. As a police community relations advocate, it is her duty to uphold the image of the police force while fulfilling her oath to protect her community. She proudly bears those responsibilities.
The 25-year-old Children International program graduate is an officer for the National Police Commission of Rapu-Rapu Island, Tabaco, Philippines. Her beaming smile shows how grateful she is to have found success and to have attained her dream of helping others.
But reaching that dream? That’s another story.
Want to visit your child?
Meet your special kid and see firsthand how we’re helping children across the globe break free from the cycle of poverty!
Plan a visit
Community centers
What is a community center? Only one of the most important places for our kids!
Kaligayahan Center
“Kaligayahan” means “happiness” in Tagalog. This busy center serves more than 5,100 kids through medical and dental clinics, a pharmacy, nutrition center, library, playground and computer lab. Plus, CI’s Manila headquarters occupies the second floor, ensuring staff have an up-close view of our programs in action.
Laufer Family Community Center and Youth Resource Center
With a community center for younger kids and youth resource center for teens, this campus helps thousands of kids with age-appropriate programs including separate health and dental clinics, a library, computer center, playground, covered sports court and dedicated spaces for meetings and program activities.
