Albay Area Program

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2014 - 2029

Location

Philippines

Areas of Focus

Education | Child Protection and Participation

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

3,521children received school supplies and resources for their education including books, backpacks, uniforms and bicycles

Progress

2,001youth participated in life skills training through World Vision programs

Progress

1,131people participated in trainings, counseling or activities on preventing and responding to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

Context

The Albay community is home to more than 50,000 people and Mount Mayon, the beautiful, world-famous cone volcano. Rich in resources such as fish and grains, the land provides food and income, however natural disasters such as typhoons, landslides, and tsunamis threaten these resources. In recent years, the fish catch has decreased and long periods of drought have led to smaller harvests and malnourishment.

Families living in remote parts of Albay must travel long distances to access health care and educational facilities. As a result of this isolation, many children suffer from hunger and preventable illnesses. They also lack interest in school, as resources are limited and they aren't motivated by parents or teachers. Many drop out to care for younger siblings, assist their parents with fishing or farming, or to move to bigger cities like Manila to earn what little money they can.

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Challenges
Education
The poor quality of education in Albay is a key concern. Many schools don't have enough equipment or learning materials for all students. Teachers in Albay lack skills training and supplies to help engage children in the learning process, especially when it comes to those who need extra attention.

Children also lack motivation to attend school regularly. In addition to the insufficiency of schools to meet their needs, many students parents don't know how to support their studies. Many families struggle to pay for school supplies, as well as to provide emotional encouragement. Children living in isolated parts of the community have a hard time getting to schools.

Health Care
Access to even the most basic of health services is limited in Albay, especially for those living in more rural areas of the community. When available, health care facilities often have a limited number of services they can provide. Lack of information prevents community members from properly caring for babies and children. Pregnant women lack access to proper pre and postnatal care, and children don't get all of their vaccines.

Families struggle to provide enough food for their children, especially during the monsoon season, when the fish catch is low and there aren't other sources of income. Many children suffer from malnutrition. Parents are also not taught how to prepare healthy meals with the food they have.

Economic Development
Families in Albay are often unable to provide for their children's basic needs. Most rely on fishing or farming for income, however in recent years, both kinds of harvest have decreased. The destruction of mangroves and the use of illegal commercial fishing methods, such as the use of dynamite, have resulted in lower catches. Outdated farming techniques and tools, pests and bugs, and limited crop storage facilities have further reduced harvests and lowered overall productivity.

Farmers are often forced to sell their produce for low prices, leaving their families disadvantaged. Alternative income-generating activities are few and far between. Parents lack vocational skills and many have not completed basic education. For women and youth who are no longer in school, there are even fewer jobs or business opportunities available.
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Plans
Education
To ensure children can access and benefit from quality education, World Vision will assist the community to:
  • Create and strengthen collaboration among community members to advocate for children's increased access to improved education.
  • Promote the importance and value of education.
  • Increase the number of parents and caregivers who support children's academic pursuits.
  • Encourage parents and caregivers to monitor their children's academic performance to ensure they can pursue goals for their future.

Health Care
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:
  • Teach proper nutrition practices and promote balanced diets to improve nutritional status of children.
  • Increase the number of health care workers and volunteers and equip them to provide quality health care services.
  • Strengthen community-based groups to advocate for improved health services.
  • Monitor and respond to child wellbeing issues and strengthen child protection measures.

Economic Development
To ensure parents in Albay can provide for their families, World Vision will partner with the community to:
  • Train farmers in new production techniques and technology.
  • Inform parents and caregivers about alternative income-generating activities and entrepreneurship opportunities.
  • Increase the number of families participating in community-based savings and loans groups.
  • Increase community members knowledge and skills in resource management and protection, including plans to reduce the impact of disasters.
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An image of children sitting on the ground in a classroom, writing in workbooks.

Results

Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2022 and September 2023, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.