Philippines

 

Background

More than 7,000 islands make up the Philippines, but the bulk of its fast-growing population lives on just 11 of them. Much of the country is mountainous and prone to earthquakes and eruptions from around 20 active volcanoes. A number of typhoons affect some part of the Philippines each year and the most severe cause widespread damage and loss of life through flooding and landslides, as well as wind damage.

 

Geography

Southeastern Asia, archipelago between the Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam

 

Population

89,468,677 (July 2006 est.)

 

Humanitarian Situation

The government of the Philippines has made a great deal of progress in implementing the UN Convention on the rights of the child, yet poverty in the country is hitting children severely. It is estimated that almost half of Filipino children live below the poverty line. Many families have been stripped of their land, as large scale farming for export crops is prioritised. Many Filipinos have migrated to cities in search of a brighter future, yet often they face unemployment in squatter settlements. Family life is being threatened as the numbers of single parent families are growing and social problems such as violence, abuse and crime are rife.

 

Project partner

Bright Child government program

 

Project location

Pilar, in the Sorosogon province of the Philippines.

 

Goal

Medical Mission International has enlisted the aid of the local government to distribute food and medicine to children in Pilar, a struggling outreach in the Sorosogon province of the Philippines. Mayor Rosemarie H. Sia, the kind philanthropist and Christian leader of the municipality, is committed to working with MMI to end malnutrition in the community. “Healthy children become bright children. For this reason we must safeguard their health,” says the mayor. The local government staunchly promotes MMI’s nutritional programs in support of the Bright Child government program. Mayor Sia personally helped MMI start the nutrition program at the Dao and Banuyo Day Care Centers, where more than 70 malnourished preschoolers received food and supplements in one afternoon. As the program continues, these children will receive the much-needed supplies on a regular basis. Currently, MMI sponsors 110 day care workers and teacher’s aides to distribute items such as VitaMeal™, milo, sugar, and evaporated milk to the children of Pilar. One worker says, “As they receive the life-giving food from people who truly care for their future, their faces radiate with happiness. For some, this is the only meal they get.” Sister Joan Clare, Medical Relief Advisor for MMI, has also extended the food, medicines, and other relief supplies to the people of the community. She reports that MMI has caused a tremendous change in the lifestyle of the people and made huge strides toward improving the area. Tuberculosis incidence has dropped sharply, the children are putting on weight, and school attendance has increased drastically.