Philippines

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Philippines).

The Republic of the Philippines is a group of more than 7,100 islands that are part of the Malay Archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. The Philippines has a population of over 112 million people. The country has one of the highest birth rates in Asia, and the population is growing fast.The Philippines is in the region which sees the most cyclonic activity in the world. The country is also prone to earthquakes and there are around 20 active volcanoes on the islands. In December 2021, Typhoon Rai caused devastation on several major islands in the Philippines.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in the Philippines since 1967.

Children are at risk

The population of the Philippines is young: 30% of the total population is under the age of 14. Government policies have improved the lives of children, and for example, the child mortality rate has fallen significantly. However, children continue to face many difficulties. Tens of thousands of children are displaced by armed conflict and affected by natural disasters. In addition, many children have lost parental care. Nearly 600,000 children between the ages of five and 17 are forced to work in hazardous conditions.
85,000
People displaced in Marawi region due to conflict

Displaced populations

The people of the Philippines have experienced many social, political and economic changes in recent decades. Armed conflicts have also marked the lives of many; decades of fighting, much of which was against separatist groups and guerrillas, have claimed thousands of lives, displaced many more and curtailed opportunities for development. Due to the conflict in the Marawi region located on the second largest island, Mindanao, 85,000 people were displaced, and many still live in transitory sites.

23%
Of the population lives in poverty

Poverty

In spite of positive economic developments, the changes have not reduced poverty, and over 23% of the population continues to live under the national poverty line. In addition, the wealth created has been unequally distributed. The lack of opportunities means that many people are forced to move overseas: around two million Filipinos work abroad. The money they send home makes an important contribution to the national economy.

35%
Of inhabitants in metro Manila live in unstable slums

Informal settlements

The migration of parents in search of work has greatly affected children's lives. Children who move with their parents to the cities often end up living in informal settlements where they lack decent housing, food, and sanitation facilities. An estimated 35% of inhabitants in metro Manila live in unstable, poorly constructed shelters in slums. The current hardships and limited prospects make people vulnerable to the false promises of human traffickers. Children living in these situations are particularly at risk.

Together we can make a difference for children in the Philippines

8,030
Adults and children
Are supported in the community
30
Young people
Attend trainings
660
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
370
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Ronalyn and her friend Jeremy launched a mental health project for young people with the slogan: “Let’s talk, be active and plant joy.” They organized seminars to raise awareness on mental health and provided a safe space for young people to talk about their feelings. They also organized other activities such as baking or gardening to bring young people together (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Philippines).

Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!

Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives