Sorsogon Area Program

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2014 - 2029

Location

Philippines

Areas of Focus

Livelihoods  | Child Protection and Participation

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

3,098people participated in trainings, counseling or activities on preventing and responding to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19

Progress

3,020children received school supplies and resources for their education including books, backpacks, uniforms and bicycles

Progress

1,845youth participated in life skills training through World Vision programs

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

Program Details

Context

The Sorsogon community is home to more than 90,000 people, almost half of whom are children. Natural resources provide income and are vital to the community. However, illegal fishing practices, inadequate waste removal, and overfishing have destroyed the coral reefs and decreased the fish supply. This has made it hard for families to earn money and provide for their basic needs, including food, education, and health care. A growing population and regularly occurring natural disasters jeopardize Sorsogon's economy.

Many children in Sorsogon are malnourished, especially those under the age of five. Malnourishment, in turn, leaves children more vulnerable to illness. Families cannot always afford to send their children to school, which leaves them at risk of getting involved in dangerous situations, including crime and child labour. Poor hygiene and health practices combined with limited access to clean, safe drinking water also threatens the health and wellbeing of children and their families.

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Challenges
Education
Many youth in Sorsogon have dropped out of high school, mainly because education is not valued in the community. Only about half of high school students complete their education, while most of their parents did not finish school. Low income and large family size prevent parents from supporting their children's studies, as they must prioritize basic needs over school. Students who are malnourished struggle to focus on and excel in their studies.

Bad peer influences can also discourage students from working towards academic goals. Many children aren't informed about their right to an education and community attitudes can negatively impact their perspective. As a result, students suffer from low self-esteem and lack the skills and foresight to plan ahead for their future, resulting in a continuing cycle of poorly educated families.

Health Care
Children in Sorsogon are malnourished and do not receive enough nutritious food. Parents struggle to provide regular, healthy meals, especially when they don't earn enough money. Limited health care education prevents children from being vaccinated, as well as pregnant women and new mothers from accessing pre and postnatal services.

Water and Sanitation
Inadequate waste facilities and poor hygiene practices have created an unsanitary environment in Sorsogon. This leaves many children vulnerable to preventable waterborne sicknesses. Almost 50% of homes have no access to clean, safe drinking water and 27% don't have sanitary toilets.

Economic Development
Families in Sorsogon struggle to earn enough money to provide for their children's basic needs. Marine life has been damaged by illegal fishing practices, such as the use of dynamite. This has significantly decreased families catch, which for many is their main source of income.

Low levels of education, a lack of skills training, and limited business opportunities restrict the employment of community members, especially women and out-of-school youth. Attempts to improve economic status are often unsuccessful, as employment programs struggle to engage participants and track their progress.
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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 partnerships among community members to advocate for children's increased access to quality education.
  • Promote the importance and value of education. Increase the number of parents who support their children's academic pursuits.
  • Encourage partnerships with established community groups to increase advocacy and support for education.
  • Ensure that children and youth learn age-appropriate life skills, and that they understand and can advocate for their rights.

Health Care
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:
  • Provide education about proper nutrition practices and promote balanced diets to prevent child malnutrition.
  • Strengthen community groups to advocate for improved health services.
  • Monitor and respond to child wellbeing issues and strengthen child protection measures.

Water and Sanitation
In partnership with families and sponsors, World Vision will work with the community to:
  • Increase the awareness of parents or caregivers about proper hygiene and sanitation practices.

​Economic Development
To ensure parents in Sorsogon can provide for their families, World Vision will partner with the community to:
  • Educate families about protecting marine resources and preventing illegal activities.
  • Increase the number of families participating in community-based savings and loans groups.
  • Train parents and caregivers in alternative income-generating activities entrepreneurship opportunities.
  • Increase community members knowledge and skills to reduce the impact of natural 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.