From left to right, top to bottom: World Vision team headed by Public Affairs Manager David Rioferio surprised team PascualLab headed by SVP and Chief Manufacturing Officer Higinio “Jun” Porte with a Certificate of Appreciation for the four-year partnership; Team PascualLab toured students from a World Vision-assisted community to an immersive tour of the government-certified facility in Bulacan; volunteers shared PascualLab’s history of innovation at the museum; and Team World Vision vouches for the #PascualLove, evident in the activity.

Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab) and international charitable institution World Vision’s partnership took an exciting turn on June 4 as one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines’ welcomed sponsored youth to an exclusive tour around the company’s manufacturing plant. PascualLab volunteers and sponsors took the students ranging from elementary to high school through an immersive trip at PascualLab’s Quality Assurance, Warehouse, and Production areas as well as a trip down memory lane to PascualLab’s rich history of innovation.

In his welcome speech SVP and Chief Manufacturing Officer Higinio “Jun” Porte inspired the students to pursue their dreams whether small or big, be it in the health industry or outside of it. World Vision Interim National Director Jun Godornes through Public Affairs Manager David Rioferio shared: “Our long years of partnership with PascualLab has significantly helped improve the well-being of the most vulnerable children through programs in health and nutrition, education, including values formation and spiritual nurture, child protection and participation, savings and livelihood, disaster preparedness, and emergency response. Major Donor Engagement Specialist Monseratt Luna specified: "Thank you for not just allowing but providing the lens for these children to see the world in your perspective, enabling them to be educated in the field of pharmaceuticals and the impact it has on improving lives." Fellow Specialist Christine Penaojas, ended: “We truly felt the #PascualLove through this well-organized trip that enlightened us too on how we’re so aligned in values because of injections of faith all throughout.” PascualLab and World Vision encourage interested participants to sponsor children via https://www.worldvision.org.ph

Three years since their partnership with World Vision started, PascualLab sponsors led by Vice President for Corporate HROD and Design Services & Corporate Affairs Mia Pascual Cenzon, finally met their sponsored children face to face, at a bonding activity during PascualLab’s anniversary month at the   World Vision grounds in Quezon City.

To spread the #PascualLove as part of its CSR program Sowing to Empower, Educate, and Develop (SEED), Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab) sponsor-employees spent a weekend of bonding over an art activity, talent showcase, group games, and basic health checks with children from World-Vision assisted communities in Malabon last May 6, 2023 at the World Vision grounds in Quezon City.  

PascualLab, a partner of international charitable institution World Vision since 2020, has been sponsoring children in less-fortunate communities in Malabon via the CHOSEN program. Through the program, these children were given the chance to pick their sponsors, essentially choosing people who can help them realize their wishes for education towards better lives amidst challenges including the current health crisis.  

Three years into the pandemic and during PascualLab’s anniversary month, the sponsors were finally able to be with the children who have CHOSEN them. Malabon plays a significant place in PascualLab’s history as the Pascual family traces its roots to this Northern part of Manila.  PascualLab VP and CHOSEN sponsor Mia Pascual Cenzon shared: “PascualLab has always had a passion for CSR and a heart for family so we take every chance to help others through our health products and in more ways such as the CHOSEN program”. 

 Child-focused humanitarian organization World Vision recently honored Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asian and Taiwan, for its unwavering and generous support to World Vision’s various projects for vulnerable children and communities in the Philippines via Project Salute.

Project Salute is World Vision’s initiative to honor its loyal and corporate partners by bestowing upon them the One for Children Plaque.

Rommel V. Fuerte, Executive Director, World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. says, “We thank Shopee for supporting the most vulnerable children. World Vision is truly humbled to be working alongside partners like them who are committed to improving the wellbeing not just of children, but also of their families and communities. Maraming salamat, Shopee!” World Vision has been a witness to Shopee’ continued commitment to provide an online platform to help fellow Filipino citizens in need despite the economic challenges brought by the community quarantines and health protocols.

“We are honored and grateful to World Vision for this recognition and for the inspiring work they have done here in the Philippines. At Shopee, we want to be a force for good and with partners such as World Vision, we will continue to ensure that our platform and resources are able to help bring impactful changes in our communities,” said Martin Yu, Director of Shopee Philippines.

The partnership between World Vision and Shopee Philippines started in 2020 via Shopee Bayanihan, Shopee’s umbrella CSR program Shopee that seeks to contribute in the development of communities in need through collaboration with various stakeholders. As the Philippines faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shopee provided a platform for users to send help to different sectors affected by the pandemic, and organizations to promote their causes to raise funds. Shopee Bayanihan also enabled organizations to have a platform to reach out to concerned users who want to donate and provide access to real and authentic organizations/charities.

In addition, World Vision also utilized Shopee's platform for its other cause-oriented campaigns including World Vision’s Noche Buena, Back-to-School, Childhood Rescue, and other emergency response efforts. Together, World Vision and Shopee have raised almost Php 800,000 — allowing more individuals to participate and make a difference in the lives of many Filipino children and communities in need. The partnership has been crucial in ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive the support and assistance they need during times of crisis.

World Vision is grateful for the continued support and commitment of Shopee Philippines in becoming One For Children with World Vision. As the organizations work together to empower a more inclusive society, they remain committed to their mission of transforming the lives of Filipino children and communities for the better.

Become a proud World Vision Sponsor and read more about our initiatives at www.worldvision.org.ph.

The life you touch may just be the one sitting next to you. World Vision in the Philippines recently brought together over 100 sponsors and donors in a joyous and emotional gathering - the first face-to-face Loyal Donor Appreciation Event since the pandemic.

Held in Quezon City and hosted by World Vision Education Technical Program Manager Geomel Jetonzo and GMA news anchor Mav Gonzales, the event celebrated the generosity and loyalty of sponsors who have and are still supporting World Vision’s child sponsorship program. Over 50 sponsors were recognized for their exceptional support, having sponsored children for five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years!

World Vision team and loyal child sponsors proudly stand together for the children

Marie Demafelis - a child sponsor for 25 years and former Strategy Management Director of WVDF – feels grateful for the opportunity to help transform the lives of the most vulnerable children. “Over the years, I’ve attended many Loyal Sponsors events. I encourage other sponsors to join as you can listen to the moving testimonies of all the children. You can see firsthand how you’re able to help them and make a difference in their lives,” she shared.

World Vision National Director Rommel Fuerte shares their recent success with the presentation of their annual report

In its 2022 Annual Report, World Vision shared that it reached 3,243,854 children. “We at World Vision are truly humbled and blessed to have received our sponsors and children’s unwavering trust, confidence, and loyalty as we implement our programs, projects, and advocacies through the Philippines, especially in the most difficult and vulnerable places,” shares Rommel Fuerte, National Director of World Vision in the Philippines. “This event is a very special one as we'd like to take this time to express our sincerest, heartfelt thank yous’ and gratitude to our dearest sponsors and partners for their amazing commitment to child sponsorship.”

In a moving segment of the program, children who are registered under World Vision’s child sponsorship program as well as former sponsored children, led by Rear Admiral Armand Balilo of the Philippine Coast Guard, shared their stories of success and resilience, further inspiring guests.

“The Lord’s plan for us is to give us hope and a future. This is what World Vision’s program – as well as my sponsors – have given me. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for extending your grace and love to these children. Looking back, I can say with certainty that the Lord has, indeed, given me a future and hope,” shared Richard Supat, one of the organization’s former sponsored children.

To date, World Vision in the Philippines has an operational presence in 28 area programs with more than 56,000 registered children. If you’d like to become a sponsor and use your blessings, you can do so by simply donating Php 25 a day or Php 750 a month. Your generosity can help advance initiatives that focus on children’s education, health and nutrition, child protection, disaster preparedness, economic development, and more.  

World Vision Resource Development Director Jun Godornes expresses his gratitude to loyal donors and sponsors.

In his closing remarks, Resource Development Director Jun Godornes emphasized how paying it forward benefits not only the sponsored children but the child sponsors as well. “If you are here, you are blessed. Thank you for being a channel for more blessings.” 

Watch the event highlights here: https://youtu.be/Gz1Mjl0zDrQ

Become a proud World Vision Sponsor and read more about our initiatives at www.worldvision.org.ph.

Child-focused humanitarian agency World Vision kick-starts the New Year with the commemoration of the historical Global March against Child Labor (GMACL) in partnership with the Quezon City local government, in the continuing fight to eliminate child labor and other forms of child exploitation.

GMACL is not just a massive march activity but a global movement founded by 140 different countries in January 17, 1998, due to the alarming growth of child labor around the world.

The Philippines joined the movement and actively participated in the first memorable global march site hosted in the Quezon City Memorial Circle, where many Filipino individuals and groups including World Vision, converged to march together with the loudest battle cry to eliminate child labor.

Dedicated in promoting child the children’s welfare, World Vision has strengthened its efforts to advocate for vulnerable children and communities through its Project Against Child Exploitation (ACE). The project aims to address issues of child labor, especially in assisting victims of the worst forms of child labor (WFCL) and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC). Project ACE also commits to empower children in knowing their rights as well as enabling community stakeholders to be more vigilant to protect and prevent exploitation among children.

Since its inception in 2019, Project ACE has made a significant impact, in partnership with the local government units in Quezon City and Cagayan De Oro. To date, the initiative contributed to the adoption of 12 policies, plans, and programs on child labor, conducted a series of labor inspectors and major stakeholders training, and organized various awareness-raising activities to improve the enforcement of applicable laws on child labor and trafficking (CLT). The project has also trained more than 260 service providers on how to address WFCL and OSAEC, supported 15 community-organized awareness-raising activities, and assisted service providers with new or expanded assistance to victims of WFCL and OSAEC.

All these milestones were not possible without the unwavering partnerships with the QC and CDO local government offices, the national and local units of Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“We believe there is still so much to be done to eliminate child labor, and we’re grateful to have dedicated partners that have been helping us make our vision possible. This is why we continue to march forward, we start this year with fresh hearts. Hoping that by the end of 2023, we see the fruits of our labor, with so many more children whose lives have changed,” stated Jun N. Godornes, World Vision Resource Development Director.

World Vision places children at the center of all its work to transform communities for good, working with parents and communities to ensure that kids are protected and that their futures are not stolen by labor exploitation.

Learn more about World Vision Philippines and our Child Sponsorship program

World Vision continues to build a protective environment that cares for and supports children by providing educational services to enhance quality and improve learning spaces, support for parents to improve food security so that children don’t need to work, advocate for national labor laws and enforcement, promote social accountability, equip communities, and promote decent work for youth who are above minimum working age through providing necessary skills.

World Vision national director Rommel V. Fuerte shares, “It’s such a daunting task, some may call it a mission to be able to dream about zero child exploitation, but we wouldn’t be able to do this without every small effort. We encourage you to pray for these children and support World Vision’s work to protect children from labor and other forms of abuse and exploitation”.

Sponsoring a child is one practical way to prevent children to be exploited.

“Together, let us stand and be against child exploitation. You can volunteer at your Local Government unit initiatives and advocacies against Child Labor,” added Fuerte.

To help or report child labor incidents in Quezon City, call the QC Hotline 122 or reach out to any members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Special Protection of Street Children and Child Laborers (Task Force Sampaguita).

To support or know more about World Vision’s work around the country to protect children from labor and other forms of exploitation, abuse, and violence. Visit www.worldvision.org.ph

USAPANG BATA ATBP., the newest segment of public affairs show S.O.S. Serbisyo Oramismo Sigurado, is envisioned to spread awareness and encourage positive action from key sectors of the society in building a thriving community for children and their families.

“Layunin po natin na maiangat ang kaalaman ng ating mga kababayan sa katuwiran at karapatan,” shares the show’s main anchor, veteran broadcast journalist Johnny Gomez, with seasoned Public Relations practitioner Deivid Rioferio of global child-focused organization World Vision in the Philippines as co-anchor.


USAPANG BATA ATBP. airs every Friday, 2:00PM to 4:00PM on radio: DZRJ 810 AM – Radyo Bandido; on television: SkyCable channel 224, and TV Plus boxes and digital free-to-air channel 29; and on social media: DZRJ 810 AM – Radyo Bandido and www.youtube.com/DZRJ810AMRadyoBandido.

In its debut month, the show’s in-depth interviews tackled relevant and timely issues about children and youth, along with important guests who are well-respected in their respective industries.


On children’s physical health and well-being in schools, expert panelists were Philippine Foundation for Vaccination Board Trustee, and Philippine Pharmacists Association former Trustee, Registered Pharmacist Bryan Posadas; and 2021 National Qualifying Examination for School Heads Passer, and Manila City Fernando Ma. Guerrero Elementary School Registered Guidance Counselor Delia Flores.


On governance, food security and health, and child protection, expert panelists were United Nations Development Programme and to the Asian Institute of Management former consultant Joseph Batac; Former Department of Agrarian Reform and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas Chairman Emeritus Rafael Mariano; Health Justice Philippines Managing Director Ralph Degollacion; and Manila City Social Welfare and Development Office Official Marie Rose Orpilla.



On children and youth’s mental health, nation policies and inclusive education, expert panelists were child development pillar, Batibot creator, Community of Learners Foundation Chairperson and President Feny Delos Angeles-Bautista; Kabataan Party-List Representative Honorable Congressman Raoul Manuel; and Las Piñas City Talon Elementary School Principal IV Dr. Aileen Ballaran.

More importantly, USAPANG BATA ATBP. anchors Johnny Gomez, Deivid Rioferio and Production Head Angel Atienza believe in the capacity of the show to become a trailblazer in public service for the children and youth. As early as this month, the team is engaging the government sector and key stakeholders in upholding the welfare of the community.

USAPANG BATA ATBP. with Department of Education Director and Spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa (Third from left)

Contact USAPANG BATA ATBP. though e-mail: soskayjohnnygomez@gmail.com, and public service hotline: 09279934206.

For more than 50 years, the RJ Group, which carries the multi-awarded DZRJ Radyo Bandido and public affairs shows like S.O.S. Serbisyo Oramismo Sigurado and USAPANG BATA ATBP., has been delivering exemplary content and products in the fields of broadcasting, entertainment and music.

Cover Photo by Ketut Subiyanto

Every Filipino will know someone who has been touched by the help of a World Vision Philippine’s supporters here and overseas. Today, in any given year, World Vision child sponsors and donors help 1.5 million of our most vulnerable children. They give these children the opportunity for a better future— their own, their communities’ and indeed all our country.

That’s evidenced by the many amazing stories of current and former sponsor children. Ace, who is now a policeman looking after his community. Bishop Alconga, who was World Vision sponsor child No 7. Commodore Armand Balilo, our one star General and spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard. The many teachers, nurses, business owners, professionals, amazing parents and grandparents that have flourished through World Vision’s programs since 1957.

Commodore Armand Balilo went from selling rice cakes as a child to becoming one of our most prominent public servant. He says: “Years back, I was the one who needed to be saved and rescued. I grew up in a community where poverty and misery was a norm. I was selling rice cakes to put food on the table and there were times when I would attend Sunday School shirtless. One day, a World Vision project staff approached me and that day changed my life. My wonderful sponsors gave me the opportunity to create a better life for myself and my family.”

To mark its 65th anniversary, World Vision compiled a book entitled “The Day My Life Changed” with inspiring stories of sponsor children and how their sponsors helped them transform their lives.

Award-winning broadcast journalist and World Vision sponsor, Karen Davila, writes in the foreword on how her life changed ever since becoming a child sponsor and how she actively helped in transforming the organization to help more of our most vulnerable to get their opportunity.

Rommel Fuerte, World Vision Philippines’ National Director is tasked with taking the organization into the future. One that he says needs many more Filipinos to help one of our most vulnerable children. He says: ‘Thanks to our supporters so many of our children have been able to write their own life story. I am passionate to see many more stories of transformation being written by our sponsors and their sponsor children.’

Mr. Fuerte sure know what he is talking about. He has sponsored a child with World Vision for over 25 years, started with World Vision in their programs on the ground and now, as National Director, guides World Vision Philippines and has led strategies and emergency responses for World Vision for 16 countries and is a key member of some of World Vision International’s committees, driving among other topics the fight on climate change, that affects all children in the world, but ours extremely.

“We hope that through this book, we find reflected in these pages God’s wonderful plan for our lives, enclosed with a prayer for our hearts the will to make it so,” he added.

To know how you can avail the book, visit www.worldvision.org.ph or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

As the world celebrated the International Day of the Girl last October 11, World Vision Philippines successfully mounted its #GirlsCan campaign which highlighted the need to support and empower girls for a brighter future. The advocacy was able to gain over 700 sponsorships since its launch last August, with the help of various celebrities, partners and sponsors.

Multi-awarded actress and World Vision Ambassador Jasmine Curtis-Smith, together with Miss Universe Philippines 2020 candidate and fashion entrepreneur Ericka Evangelista and content creators Janina Vela and Lyqa Maravilla led in voicing out that empowered girls, empower girls.

The Women Business Council of the Philippines (WomenBiz) along with the other partners – Globe Kmmunity, Ever Bilena, Hello Glow, Lazada, Shoppee, Club of Marikina North Rotary, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Hera and Plus Network, made it big for the campaign. Adarna House pledged part of their sales to aid programs for girl empowerment.

Papemelroti paved the way for International Day of the Girl by offering an exclusive and personalized #GirlsCan articulated paper dolls as freebie when you visit their stores! You can collect the rest of the dolls each time you donate Php1,000 to World Vision’s #GirlsCan campaign.

Today, various issues surrounding girls in the country remain and violence against children is one of the major concerns, in fact there is an increase of 264% cases in online sexual exploitation. In education, over 2 million girls drop out from school while more adolescent girls get pregnant and give birth every day.

“Despite the many advances that we have achieved over the years in promoting the rights of children, unfortunately, there are a lot of issues still affecting girls around the world. The harsh realities faced by girls underpin the necessity for us citizens to advance their rights,” said Ms. Vanessa Retuerma, World Vision Director for Strategy Management, Impact and Learning.

While poverty remains to be the leading cause of these alarming problems, there are always ways on how to empower girls to break free. Just imagine what #GirlsCan do if we give them a better future ahead. They can be an influence for good and they can change lives.

To know how you can support #GirlsCan, visit https://t.co/RAUn2HPxP7 or follow World Vision’s official social media pages /worldvisionph on Facebook, @worldvisionphl on Instagram, and @worldvisionph on Twitter.

More than 25,000 girls in underserved communities across the Philippines will get access to period pads and menstrual hygiene management information and educational materials through a donation by P&G Philippines and Whisper in partnership with World Vision Philippines.

This is part of Whisper Philippines’ #ShareTheConfidence campaign, in partnership with World Vision Philippines and Shopee Philippines, to advance menstrual hygiene education and improve access to period products to girls in underserved communities. Earlier in June, Whisper pledged to match every Whisper pack sold on Shopee and is now fulfilling the said commitment. P&G Philippines will donate Whisper packs to World Visions’ girls’ communities in Laurel, Batangas, Rosario, Batangas, Baseco, Manila, Malabon, Quezon City, Misamis Occidental, and Zamboanga del Norte.

Reports from the organization Save the Children Philippines noted that the pandemic has exacerbated the challenges in managing menstruation, due to an increased absence of adequate resources and support. Furthermore, according to the results of a 2019 study from the World Bank, 8% of girls in the Philippines reported missing school because of menstruation. Through the donation, P&G hopes to increase access to period products and fight some of the challenges surrounding menstruation, allowing young girls to always be at their best.

“Whisper’s purpose is to unleash women and girls’ confidence so they can be whoever they want to be, and our brand’s responsibility is to help create a world where everyone is empowered to manage her menstruation safely, hygienically, and with dignity,” shares Charm Banzuelo, P&G’s Communications Leader for Corporate, Baby & Feminine Care. “For us, this starts with engaging families and schools where young girls are able to first learn about menstrual health. We want to help give adequate access to products and right information that they will carry with them as they grow up,” she states.

Partnering with World Vision Philippines also enables P&G and Whisper to reach communities that need assistance the most. Working with some of the most vulnerable communities in the country, World Vision allows the company to benefit those in underserved areas, who have less education and awareness surrounding menstrual hygiene.

“We’re thankful to work alongside companies like P&G and Whisper who truly advocate for female empowerment,” says World Vision Philippines Director Jun Godornes. “At World Vision, we celebrate our girls’ strength and determination. We hope that when these small actions with P&G are pooled together, we can create waves to transform lives one girl at a time,” he ends.

Daphne de Guzman Culanag, better known as Ate Daphne in project areas, received USDOL’s 2017 Iqbal Masih Award in recognition of her contributions to reducing child labor in the Philippines. She has been part of crafting legislation for children’s protection from RA7610 to RA 9231 and has worked with World Vision from 2003 to 2016 as Project Director, overseeing all technical and administrative aspects, for all three phases of the ABK initiative. She came back to World Vision towards the end of 2019 to be the Project Director of Project ACE.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the NGO sector in the council. This appointment is crucial in strategically reinforcing World Vision and Project ACE’s support to government in addressing the worst forms of child labor, including the online sexual exploitation of children, and violations of acceptable conditions of work. I look forward to meaningful exchanges and bringing in more stories from the ground so we can help the government craft more targeted policies and programs for our people especially for the children to ensure a brighter future ahead of them,” said Culanag.

World Vision Philippines National Director Rommel V. Fuerte likewise expressed his compliments and support to the recently-appointed official.

“World Vision is honored to be part of significant milestones for the protection of the rights of children and other vulnerable sectors. Congratulations to Project ACE’s Project Director Daphne Culanag, we are so proud of you. With the leadership of DOLE through Hon. Secretary Bello III, and in collaboration with all members of the NCACL, we pray for continued wisdom and strength as we all help bring hope, joy and justice for all children,” Fuerte said.

The NCACL was created under Executive Order (EO) No. 92 issued on September 17, 2019, and is tasked to amplify government efforts for the protection of the rights of vulnerable sectors, especially the children, strengthen related institutional mechanisms, and establish further measures to contribute to the prevention, reduction, and elimination of any form of child labor.

The NCACL is composed of relevant government agencies as members, with the DOLE as chair and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as co-chair. Council members are composed of Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, National Economic and Development Authority, Philippine Information Agency, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), National Youth Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Philippine Statistics Authority, Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation, and the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Basic Sector on Children. The EO also mandated to include two representatives each from the workers' sector, employers’ sector, and non-government organizations with programs on child labor.

Project ACE is World Vision’s advocacy to support the Philippine government’s effort to address the worst forms of child labor (WFCL), including online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) and violations of acceptable conditions of work (ACW) for children. The Project, which officially started in October 2019 and was launched in September 2020, is currently being implemented in Cagayan de Oro City and Quezon City.

Moreover, memoranda of agreement have been signed with the CWC, DSWD, DOJ, PNP, and the local governments of Quezon City and Cagayan de Oro City, which affirms the commitment of Project ACE in partnering with the government to carry out programs and activities zeroing in on the WCFL and OSEC.

Funding for Project ACE is provided by the United States Department of Labor under cooperative agreement number IL 34007-19-75-K. 100 percent of the total costs of the project in the Philippines is financed with federal funds.

Globally, 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 each year[I]. Despite the recent decline in its prevalence, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact to families have placed children—especially girls—at a higher risk of being forced into marriage to make ends meet.

Studies have shown that marrying at an early age hinders children from reaching their potential and experiencing full lives. It not only discourages them from pursuing their education, but it also makes them prone to domestic violence and to several health risks.

As a child-focused organization and member of the Child Rights Network in the Philippines, World Vision lauds the recent passing of Republic Act (RA) 11596 or An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage. This new law recognizes child marriage as a form of abuse that debases, degrades, and demeans the intrinsic worth and dignity of children and repeals all laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, and rules and regulations inconsistent with the provisions stated in the Act.

“As adults, we have the responsibility to make sure that children are loved, protected, and cared for not only at home but also in the community. World Vision commits to work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), and other mandated government agencies in ensuring that this Act is fully and promptly implemented,” says Rommel Fuerte, World Vision National Director.

Despite the Family Code stating that the legal age of marriage in the Philippines is 18, it is only through the passage of RA 11596 can a person be penalized for causing, fixing, facilitating, or arranging a child marriage. This includes individuals who officiate the child marriage, as well as perpetrators who are ascendants, step-parents, or guardians of the concerned minor.

“Child, early and forced marriage robs adolescent girls (and boys) of their childhood, pushing them further into deep cycle of poverty and violence which has devastating and long-lasting impact to their overall well-being. Clearly, child marriage is a violation of children’s right to protection and human rights,” shares Jezreel Domingo, Child Protection Manager for World Vision in the Philippines. “RA 11596 is a major win in protecting Filipino children and a huge step towards creating a safer Philippines for them so that girls and boys can enjoy their childhood,” Domingo added.

There are varied factors that enable child marriage but it is most closely linked with low levels of economic development. For families living in extreme poverty, child marriage can help alleviate their poor economic conditions and even offset debts or settle conflicts. In other cases, child marriage is influenced by traditions, norms, and beliefs.

With this new law that prohibits child, early and forced marriage, World Vision is hopeful that more Filipino children will be able to experience the full life aspired and intended for them.

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.

Amidst this looming pandemic, Pascual Laboratories, Inc. (PascualLab) and international child-focused organization World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (World Vision) join hands to bring hope to children in need through the child sponsorship initiative, CHOSEN.

Through CHOSEN, children are given the chance and opportunity to pick their sponsors. In most sponsorship programs, children sometimes wait for a long time before they get selected. Through this charity program, they are given the chance to take hold of their future by doing the choosing.

To empower these underprivileged children in World Vision-assisted communities and to share them financial assistance and essentials through CHOSEN, the organization’s Philippine branch reached out to PascualLab, one of the most trusted pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines¹ and over 140 employees heeded the call.

Through their sponsorship, PascualLab will be able to assist more than their original target of 75 children - a number symbolic of PascualLab’s years in the industry. And through this novel way of sponsorship, PascualLab hopes to help spread love, as its anniversary theme #PascualLove speaks of, during a time when it is so easy to see things in a negative light.

PascualLab Chairman of the Board, President and CEO Jose Augusto Pascual said: “In these bleak and uncertain times, people latch on to any glimmer of hope they can find in their day-to-day lives. And so late last year, when the World Vision team initially proposed the idea of their charity program CHOSEN, we thought it was something that could give a ray of light to those in need. For PascualLab, it would enable our Family Members to reach out to underprivileged Filipino children and to share some PascualLOVE, given the situation we were and still are in, and the challenges that we continue to face.”

World Vision’s National Director Rommel Fuerte thanked PascualLab especially its volunteer employees, who signed up to be chosen as sponsors. “With your support, children and their families can have access to healthcare, quality education as well as programs on livelihood, safety, and spiritual development,” he said.

The partnership was recently sealed in a virtual MoA signing between the two teams led by Fuerte and Pascual, Mia Pascual Cenzon, PascualLab VP for Corporate HROD and Design Services and Corporate Communications, and World Vision Director for Resource and Development Director Santos Godornes, Jr.