Annual Report 2011

annualreport2011

World Vision Development Foundation Inc.389 Quezon Avenue corner West 6th StreetWest Triangle, Quezon City 1104PhilippinesPhone: (02) 3747619 to 28Fax: (02) 3747661Website: www.worldvision.org.phE-mail: [email protected]

EDITORIAL TEAM

Elnora Avarientos - Executive DirectorJoey Umali - National Coordinator | Christian Witness Initiatives ProjectFilomena Portales - Public Engagement DirectorMarie Demafelis - Office of Strategy Management DirectorJoy Alvarez - People and Culture Director Gjeff Lamigo - Media and Communications Manager

Thanks to the following who contributed to this Report: Program Managers, Program Officers, Sponsorship Team, Efren Damas, Regina Bondoc-delos Santos, Jay Mark Mijares, Crislyn Felisilda, Maryann Zamora, Leoniza Morales, Jon Carlo Fortich, Bernadette Tan, Anthony Valenzuela, Clyta Borbon, Monalinda Cadiz, Aaron Aspi, Marisse Lego

Designed by : Geno A. Maglinao

Printed by : ____________________

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Our Beginning ..................................................................................5Where We Work .............................................................................8Message of Chairperson ................................................................10Message of Executive Director ....................................................11Our Commitment for 2015 ..........................................................13Working for and with the Children ............................................17Matrenal and Child Health ............................................................19Fight Against Tuberculosis ..............................................................23Quality Education ............................................................................27Community Development.............................................................33Advocacy for Children ...................................................................37Child Focused Disaster Risk Reduction .....................................41Children Affected by Disaster ......................................................45Values Formation ............................................................................49Engaging the Public..........................................................................53Meet and Greet ...............................................................................55Network and Alliance ....................................................................59Celebrity Advocates .......................................................................61Corporate Donors .........................................................................62Community Partners ......................................................................63Finances .............................................................................................64Board of Trustees ...........................................................................65

Annual Report 2011 | 5

In 1947, World Vision founder Robert Willard “Bob” Pierce, a young American minister and evangelist working under the auspices of Youth for Christ, took his second journey to China to make his first Christian mission film, “China Challenge.”

While in China, at a school run by Christian missionaries for 400 Chinese girls, he encountered a rugged and hungry child named White Jade. Her father had beaten her for visiting the mission. The school, with not enough food for its pupils, had none to give her. Learning that the girl could be supported for $25 a year, Bob Pierce gave the school’s head $5 he had in his pocket and promised to send more money.

Bob Pierce continued supporting poor children and families by raising funds. In June 25, 1950 when war broke out between North and South Korea, he helped a Korean church by raising funds through his film, “38th Parallel” referring to the parallel of north latitude that divided the two Koreas after World War II. To handle the funds that came from his supports, World Vision was formed with Bob Pierce as president. Since then, World Vision has set its course to care for the poor and starving, and present the love of Jesus Christ.

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OPPOSITE PAGEBob Pierce in the middle of a large group of Asian children, probably orphans. (date estimated, 1954) // WVI Archive

6 | World Vision Philippines

In 1957, World Vision in the Philippines helped an orphanage in Guimaras, the Good Shepherd’s Fold. World Vision initially donated musical instruments and textbooks for the children. Three years later, World Vision purchased a 12-hectare land in Tupi, South Cotabato where the Mercyville Orphanage was established. Like the Shepherd’s Fold, children were also fed, clothed and sent to school. The children were also taught to love and be thankful for God’s blessings. Starting with around 500 children in the 1950s, World Vision in the Philippines is currently helping more than 100,000 poor children nationwide.

Bob Pierce’s simple act of kindness and willingness to help the poor and the oppressed children has become World Vision’s mission and vision throughout the years.

World Vision founder at prayer Bob Pierce with two Asian children, both with amputated legs and crutches.

World Vision founder Bob Pierce participates in a discussion at the Tokyo Christian Crusade

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AFRICA ASIA & THE PACIFICEUROPE & MIDDLE EAST

NORTH, CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA Angola

BurundiChadDemocratic Republic of CongoEthiopiaGhanaKenyaLesothoMalawiMauritaniaMozombiqueNigerRwandaSenegalSierra leoneSomaliaSouth AfricaSudanSwazilandTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe

AustraliaBangladeshCambodia ChinaEast Timor Hong Kong IndiaIndonesia JapanLaosMalaysiaMongoliaMyanmarNepalNew Zealand North Korea PakistanPapua New Guinea Philippines SingaporeSolomon islandsSouth Korea Sri LankaTaiwanThailandUzbekistan VanuatuVietnam

AfghanistanAlbaniaArmeniaAustriaAzerbaijan Bosnia-Herzegovina NetherlandsCyprus Finland France Georgia GermanyIreland ItalyJerusalem/West Bank/Gaza JordanKosovo Lebanon MontenegroRomaniaRussia Serbia SpainSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom

Bolivia Brazil Canada Chile ColombiaCosta Rica Dominican Republic EcuadorEl Salvador Guatemala HaitiHonduras Mexico Nicaragua Peru

Cagayan

Isabela

Zambales

Bulacan

Bataan

Cavite

PalawanCebu

Negros Occidental

Misamis Occidental

Negros Oriental

Zamboanga City

Aklan

Antique

Southern Leyte

Camarines Norte

Sorsogon

Western Samar

Surigao del Norte

Leyte

Butuan CitySurigao del Sur

Agusan del Sur

Compostela Valley

Camarines Sur

Quezon Province

General Santos City

Saranggani

Davao del SurDavao City

Iloilo

Misamis Oriental

South Cotabato

Bohol

Social Mobilization on Tubercolosis (SMT)

Tulong Aral Petron (TAP)

Caloocan CityLas Pinas CityMalabon CityMandaluyong CityCity of ManilaNavotasPasay CityParanaque CityPaterosQuezon CityTaguig CityValenzuela City

Pag-Aaral ng Bata para sa Kinabukasan (ABK2)

Area Development Program (ADP)

WORLD VISION PRESENCE

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

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Over the past 55 years, World Vision in the Philippines has shared hope to thousands of Filipino children in the country and made a positive impact in their lives. In moving forward, we will not be complacent amidst the continuing challenges many children faced today. World Vision is committed to give these children access to the resources and opportunities to fulfill their dreams.

The year 2011 was an exciting year for us. It’s the year when we embarked on a new country strategy that aims to create a wider reach and impact, challenging society to prioritize children, engaging more champions to support for the children’s cause, inspiring breakthroughs for children, and encouraging ourselves to work harder in building trust and meaningful partnerships with our supporters.

Our new five-year Country Strategy lends an opportunity for World Vision to be more responsive to the nation’s changing economic and socio-political landscape. Following the approval of the country strategy, a new organizational structure was launched to provide the relevant functions and manpower to make this strategy a reality.

Our goals have been far-reaching: provide access to education and health to more than100,000 children; protect them from the hazards and effects of natural disasters; be an influential voice that advocates for children’s well-being; and help reduce poverty through economic interventions intended for poor families.

These are seemingly difficult goals that can take a lifetime to fulfill. But by God’s grace, I am utterly inspired by World Vision Philippines’ achievements over the past years and for the progress we have made in 2011. Our staff force of more than 600 carries the vital work of providing care and protection to the children in several villages in 29 provinces nationwide.

We consider it great joy to partner closely with the government, corporations, non-governmental organizations, communities, celebrities and the academe for the well-being of children who are all close to God’s heart. The faithful support of our sponsors and donors truly make a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of children, their families and communities. I pray for God’s continued blessing upon our partners and for the many who took part in helping the ministry this year.

Atty. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato


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messageexecutive director

messageA year of transition—that’s how I will describe 2011. It was a period of revisiting our call and aspiration based on Isaiah 65:17-25 that envisions empowered children to lead the nation toward a better future.

Many children are still in need of help on issues affecting them. Thus, we decided that for the next five years, we will deepen our focus to reach more vulnerable sectors of society.

With prayer and discernment under the guidance of the Word of God, we conducted researches and consultations with various stakeholders to come up with our new strategic directions for the next five years (2011-2015) that will holistically address children’s needs and engage the public to promote and advocate for the well-being of children.

This annual report shows how World Vision contributes to the well-being of children, their families and communities. We reached more than 53,000 pregnant women and 149,000 children below five years old through interventions such as de-worming, iron supplementation, birth spacing, breastfeeding and essential newborn care. We did this in partnership with the Department of Health.

Children were provided access to education. By the end of 2011, more than 107,000 assisted children were enrolled in school. These children were helped through the unselfish support of individuals and corporate sponsors. Around 17,600 are Filipinos who contributed despite economic crisis.

We continued to advocate against child labor and to empower children to speak out for their rights. Our contribution to the Philippine government’s program to reduce child labor paved the way for the US Department of Labor (US DoL) to award World Vision a $15-million grant to implement Livelihoods, Education, Advocacy and Protection to Reduce Child labor in Sugarcane (ABK3 – LEAP) Project, a four-year campaign which started in 2012.

It’s a great joy for us seeing sponsored children gain self-confidence and competence in speaking and advocating for their place in society. Arnel Alipao, a sponsored child from Surigao del Norte, braved the storm that hit his home province to speak before the UN Thematic Debate in New York on the importance of the role of children and of having child-focused Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in communities.

We responded to devastations brought by typhoon Megi in Isabela. World Vision provided food and non-food items to 22,896 families. A total of 6,900 children were directly assisted through our relief response, of which 4,500 benefitted from the Child Friendly Spaces (CFS), World Vision’s psychosocial support intervention. Through the CFS, we helped children cope with their situation through learning activities, creative plan and fun events such as dancing, singing, drawing and puppet show.

World Vision’s long-term corporate partners in the Philippines donated P5.9 million for victims of typhoons Megi and Ketsana. We also helped the victims of the tsunami catastrophe in Japan.

We feel so blessed and thankful that such results contributed towards a better and more secure life for children and families. Our God is truly a compassionate God as He provided us with more than we could ask for.

The Filipino youth are increasingly engaged in the fight for hunger as thousands of them joined our second 12-hour Famine event.

As we enter 2012, we rejoice over the 55 years of World Vision’s existence in the Philippines, sharing the joy of hope with the children, families and communities we serve throughout the years. The 2011 transition provided the impetus for us to cover more grounds for the well-being of the children.

We are aware of the difficult task ahead of us, but with God’s blessings and the partnership of people and groups who love the children, there’s no turning back. Together, let’s give our ultimate best for the sake of the children and for the glory of God.

Elnora Bailen-Avarientos


Our Country Strategy from 2011 to 2015 spells out our commitment to the most vulnerable children, their families and communities and clarifies our direction to engage different sectors of society in a movement towards child-focused transformation. As we strengthen our ministry focus to deliver our promised results in the next five years, we desire to be an excellent and sustainable organization with people who continue to grow personally, professionally and spiritually.

Focus on the Most Vulnerable

After a thorough study of our country context, we have identified the following as our target groups: (1) malnourished children; (2) exploited and abused children; (3) children in disaster-prone areas and impacted by climate change; (4) children without access to quality education and learning opportunities; and (5) families with limited capacities to provide the basic needs of their children. To ensure that these vulnerable groups benefit from our programs and

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Engaging the Nation to Uplift the Most Vulnerable


interventions, we determined our priority provinces and cities based on the factors that make children (in the context of their families and communities) most vulnerable.

A Movement for Child-Focused Transformation

As different sectors of society get engaged, we hope to ignite a nationwide movement of transformed supporters and advocates championing child-focused causes through giving, praying, volunteering and partnering.

While there are a lot of factors that make Filipino children vulnerable, there are also significant developments and opportunities in our country today that can positively impact the well-being of children: (1) Growing number of Filipino sponsors and donors; (2) Emerging trends on Corporate Social Responsibility; (3) Enactment and implementation of national and local laws for the well-being of children; (4) Churches and inter-faith groups moving towards holistic


mission to children and the poor; (5) Increasing commitment of government agencies for social services for the poor and; (6) the Philippines being a young population with 43% below 19 years old.

For God’s Pleasure and Honor

We look forward to the next five years of sharpening our ministry focus. We pray that this Country Strategy will improve our relevance, reliability, and responsiveness as a Christian, child-focused and community-based organization amidst the challenging times and changing landscapes. We envision ourselves to be more sensitive, more pro-active, and more collaborative in aligning our ministry towards the well-being of children with God’s heart and intention for them. We do our work fully dependent on God’s enabling grace and completely consumed by the desire to please and honor Him.

Our 5 Strategic GoalsGoal 1: Child-Focused Transformation. Empowered children (in the context of their families and communities) who will empower others, contributing to community transformation and nation-building. It means children are resilient, they are nurtured to reach their full potentials and their families are capable to provide their needs

Goal 2: Highly Trusted Organization Engaging the Publics for Transformation. A highly trusted organization that starts and grows a responsive movement of well-engaged publics that: (1) Pray, help and work with World Vision towards fullness of life of children; (2) Champion child-focused advocacies and transformation

Goal 3: Financial Sustainability and Accountability. Sustained growth in financial resources to support World Vision Philippines mission and ministry

Goal 4: Quality Assurance. Efficient and effective frontline and support processes contributing to quality ministry and operational excellence

Goal 5: Organizational Culture of Excellence. An organizational culture of excellence that pleases God and reflects growth of leaders and staff towards Christ-likeness

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As a child-focused international organization, World Vision seriously takes its responsibility of helping the children, their families and communities live a better life. Children’s well-being is the core of everything we do, from providing under-five children with the right nutrition to fundraising so that every child can have an opportunity for education. We intentionally include in our initiatives to enable them to express their issues and concerns about their future.


UNICEF reported that more than 26,000 children under the age of five die from preventable diseases worldwide. A major underlying cause of under-five deaths is under-nutrition which deprives a child’s body and mind of the nutrients needed for growth and development. Poor sanitation, unsafe water and inadequate hygiene also contribute to under-five child mortality and morbidity rate. Sadly, many of these children are in the developing world where access to essential health services and basic commodities are hardly accessible.

In the Philippines, infant mortality rate has declined, but maternal mortality has remained high. The country needs to double its efforts in addressing malnutrition. The Council for the Welfare of Children 2010 report showed that for four decades the decrease in the number of malnourished children is less than one percent annually. At least a two percent decrease yearly is needed to meet the country’s Millennium Development Goal target. Underweight children 0-5 years old increased by almost 2% from 24.6 percent in 2003 to 26.2 percent in 2008.World Vision addresses maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition in 36

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OPPOSITE PAGE:For the feeding program, mothers take children to the feeding centers for their nutritious meals every afternoon. The meals they prepare are cheap but highly nutritious. The foods include enriched bread buns, noodle soup, lugaw (rice porridge) enriched with iron and malunggay (moringa) leaves, and other vegetable dishes.


communities through Nutrition Jumpstart. In partnership with local health offices and the Department of Health, World Vision promotes health and nutrition program among pregnant mothers and under-five children. Working together with government offices and communities helped more than 149,000 children and 53,000 pregnant women to access basic health services such as Iron and Vitamin A supplementation and appropriate breastfeeding.

In Iloilo, World Vision sustained its active support to community and health partners in promoting health care for pregnant women and children under 5 years old. Mothers who are exclusively breastfeeding increased by 20.18% while mothers doing complementary feeding increased by 27.23%. The collective effort of World Vision, community and health partners has contributed to the decrease in malnutrition rate in Estancia and Iloilo City by as much as 12%.

In Agusan del Sur, World Vision’s intervention in five municipalities showed promising health results to children and families. Malnourished children who attended PD

Young advocates: Child facilitators in Haven of Rest1 share their time and learning to children, ages five to seven, the importance of eating vegetables.

This is six-year old Princess. She used to be malnourished before but when she got in World Vision sponsorship program, she became healthy again through the feeding program.

Rowena Osama, 40, a World Vision community volunteer, became an advocate in preventing maternal deaths in Muslim communities. Among the women in Saranggani, she was also chosen as the village malaria micropist.

It is great that we have a partner who initiated some interventions to reduce malnutrition incidence in Antique. A great help in our province.Nida Fallon, PNAO/PNO3, on World Vision’s intervention on malnutrition in Antique

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Health workers weigh baby Cassandra. Busy moms preparing for the feeding program.Mothers and their children attend the PD Hearth sessions in their community

Mindanaoan children from different indigenous tribes and religions fetch water from the newly established water system that World Vision and its community partner, South Cotabato Tri-People Gentud Foundation, constructed Veggies help Arvy gain

weight Eureka Fuentes | RND | World Vision

Hearth, a nutrition program for children who are at risk for protein-energy malnutrition in communities, feeding session promotes weight gain ideal for their age and height. Parents were also trained on backyard gardening and are now enjoying a good harvest and able to sustain the nutrition that their children need.

Proper sanitation and personal hygiene are also part of the trainings that World Vision helps provide to communities. In Misamis Oriental, World Vision’s community partner and the Provincial Health Office conducted orientation on environmental sanitation, hand washing and personal hygiene among parents. Parents learn to use aqua tabs, a tablet used to disinfect water, and is being distributed by the Provincial Health Office. Information materials distributed by World Vision remind families and children of proper hand washing. In areas where there are no facilities for proper sanitation, World Vision supports the provision of latrines, toilets and water pipes.

Prevalence rate of malnutrition in Caridad village in Hamtic, Antique is considered high at 29%. With assistance from World Vision, health workers in the village were trained to be Pabasa sa Nutrisyon (Reading about Nutrition) leaders. Pabasa sa Nutrisyon is a 10 to 12-day class among mothers whose child or children are considered malnourished. The class involved games, meal planning and preparation, cooking and short quizzes. Among those who attended the classes was Salvacion, a 25-year-old mother of two. She was at that time three months pregnant. Salvacion’s son, Arvy, 5, was underweight. Through the Pabasa sa Nutrisyon, Salvacion learned that proper nutrition for her children need not be expensive. She says, “It was hard to plan and prepare a menu of nutritious food with only Php100 (roughly US$2) budget

a day, but it made me realize that if I have a vegetable garden I

can save money.” Salvacion now grows vegetables like camote, alugbati and okra

to maintain proper nutrition among her children. After the Pabasa sa Nutrisyon class, she noticed that Arvy has become livelier. “He is not underweight anymore. His weight is being monitored in school

every month. My sons are growing well and now love to eat

vegetable, especially squash.”


Since 2005, tuberculosis (TB) has remained the 6th leading cause of death in the Philippines, ranking the country ninth among the 22 high-burden countries on TB. World Vision’s Social Mobilization on Tuberculosis (SMT), a three-year project supported by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, aims to eliminate and prevent the spread of TB in the country.

In addressing TB, World Vision responds through three major tasks (1) to identify new and possible TB cases (2) to mobilize volunteers to supervise TB patients, and (3) to make people aware about TB. The 22 areas (5 provinces and 17 cities), where SMT works, showed promising results with 3,714 TB patients cured from 2009-2010, a considerable contribution to the National TB Program of the Philippines that sustains TB control and provides TB patients access to health facilities.

At the frontlines of World Vision’s fight against TB are the 7,733 community volunteers comprising the TB Task Forces and Partner Organization Volunteer (POV) groups. These

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OPPOSITE PAGEPatient and volunteer treatment partner


volunteers were provided with basic trainings on Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS) and basic health education that enhances their skill to advocate and become treatment support for their community. For the past three years (2009-2011), TB Task Forces and POVs have referred 64, 080 symptomatics.

Seeking TB cases in the communities is a herculean challenge even to health workers mainly because of misconceptions about TB and community stigma is still high that forces people affected with TB to hide in shame rather than come out and seek treatment. The volunteers are a great help in addressing stigma and wrong beliefs on TB in their communities. TB Task Forces and POVs are also a big help to local health workers who seek out symptomatics and TB patients.

TB Task Forces and POVs act as treatment partners to TB patients. The volunteers supervise the patient’s daily medication. Depending on the category of the patient’s TB disease, the treatment could take from six months or longer.

TB dili ikauwaw, dali matambalan basta magkahiusa, magtinabangay og magtambayayong ang tanan. (Let’s not be ashamed of TB. It can easily be cured as long as we help each other.) TB Task Force in Bohol on fighting against tuberculosis

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Cured patient in Zamboanga A TB class in Iloilo facilitated by TB Task Forces DOTS with volunteer and wife


Out of 4,212 TB patients supervised, 80% were cured.

TB Task Forces and POVs play a crucial role in advocating TB prevention and control. For the past three years, there were a total of 92 policies enacted by local government units in the 22 SMT project areas, most of which were ordinances and resolutions to provide funding support. The allocated budget answers for volunteer transportation allowance in conducting TB classes, house-to-house visits, bringing sputum samples to the laboratory or supporting annual TB events like the Lung Month and the World TB Day. In Iloilo City, the local government provided PhilHealth incentive to each TB Task Force volunteer for every TB patient that gets cured under the volunteer’s supervision.

Another notable result of TB Task Force advocacy efforts is the creation of four TB Councils that help in policy lobbying at the local level. In Zamboanga City, for instance, the TB Council lobbied to the local executive for a policy that directed all barangay local governments to establish a TB Task Force.

Not ashamed anymoreMonalinda Cadiz | World Vision

TB volunteers’ oath in Manila Media forum on TB Another TB class in Iloilo Blue ribbon advocacy campaign in Palawan

“I am not ashamed anymore to tell people that I had acquired TB, so that I would be able to help others who are suffering from the disease,” declares Marilyn Sabando, a cured TB patient in Iloilo City. Marilyn, a mother to 7 school-aged children, got diagnosed of Tuberculosis, a battle which she got over victoriously when she approached a TB Task Force member who regularly visited her barangay after struggling with stigma. Stigma is one of the major reasons why many sufferers do not seek treatment early on, or worse, die of TB even when first-line drug treatment is free. The TB Task Forces across covered areas in the country considerably helped TB symptomatics undergo diagnosis and treatment- it is their legacy to TB prevention and control measures in their own communities.


Literacy is a critical link that can either tie a child to an impoverished life or a ticket out of it. The Philippines 2007 Census showed that almost half of the country’s 88.6 million people are children aged below 18 years old. The 2009 report of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) showed that there are 40.8 percent impoverished children, mostly living in rural areas, whose families are farmers, fishermen and migrants.

World Vision partners with government agencies and communities to address issues on education and ensure that children are provided with equal access to education. Through Child Sponsorship, World Vision has helped 107,210 sponsored children to have access to education.

More than just being able to go to school, a child must also have quality education that includes sound teaching and learning materials, parents and teachers who are supportive of his rights, and safe and clean school facilities. World Vision assists in all these wherever the needs are greatest. In 2011, World Vision’s support to classroom repairs and construction, and provision of school equipment and materials benefited more than 39,000 children in numerous communities where we work.

In Ozamis City, World Vision supports in monitoring the ordinance on prohibiting internet and video game shops

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OPPOSITE PAGEWorld Vision believes that education is key to a child’s better future


near schools and prohibiting children to enter them during school hours.

In Cagayan Valley, World Vision assisted in the renovation of school fences and construction of a covered walkway for school children. More than 2,000 books were also distributed in several schools where one book is shared by four students.

Several schools in Zambales were given books, arm chairs, book shelves and computers. World Vision also assisted in the construction and repair of day care centers. In Paitan Elementary School, for instance, provision of computer units helped students with their assignment by using an online encyclopedia. Computer units have likewise improved teachers’ preparation of learning activities inside the classrooms. Assistance on school facilities made both students and teachers acquire new skill and knowledge. In the 2011 Regional Achievement Test, Paitan Elementary School showed increase in student achievement rate by 5.27%.

World Vision is God’s instrument to make us feel His love and careMeregene Taburada on World Vision education assistance to her child

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A child’s right to education also includes the capability of children to stay in school. The 2010 State of the Filipino Children report from the Council for the Welfare of Children showed that there has been a steady decline in school enrolment, a reduction in completion rate and significant increase in the number of children leaving school or dropping out. For school year 2007-2008 alone, children attending primary school declined from 96.8 percent in 2000 to 85.1 percent.

World Vision helped address this by launching the Operation Alaga Bata which aims to determine why children are not in school and help them go back to school in communities where it serves. Several factors were found such as economic, health and transfer of residence. World Vision has been actively engaging parents and the local government units to address these concerns. Through our Community Managed Savings and Credit Associations (CoMSCA) and backyard gardening, parents were able to earn additional income to support their children’s education and their family’s basic needs.

Inspiring othersMabby Abrigo Holoyohoy | SponsorI am a simple government employee with a clerical position in the office but I never made it a reason not to share and help in my own simple way.

Scholarship or sponsoring a child is very close to my heart because my mother is a product of generous benefactors that’s why she was able to finish college and start a living.

I started sponsoring for World Vision in 2010. I sponsored one child then, but in my heart I know that one day I will add some more. I told myself if I got promoted I will add more scholars.

After two years no promotion was in the horizon. Then it hit me that I should not wait for a blessing to come to be able to share. Instead share first and the floodgates of heaven will open.

As I turned 33 last February 7, 2012 I did a crazy act if accounting and balancing my checkbook was concerned. I added 2 more scholars! (meaning: I now have 3 scholars…to afford the monthly pledge for 3 scholars monthly means that I have to ride the jeepney to the office instead of taxi) But I am happy to ride the jeepney with a cause!

I can’t even believe I just committed myself to such a big responsibility. But I look up and I felt the angels singing and Father God smiling. True enough we can never out-give God the owner of everything.

In less than 15 days since I committed 2 more scholars, fantastic blessings poured. Amazing God indeed! And God is not yet done in giving me surprises; our loving GOD the Father made me won from Sunlife experience Canada promo an all expense paid trip to Toronto, Canada in a 5-star hotel! My trip is worth Php350,000 - Php400,000. Wow!

I am sharing my story to inspire others to be a blessing to those in need. I challenge everyone to sponsor a child! God will surely bless you! Jesus loves you!

(This article was sent and posted on World Vision Facebook)


Roseller Atilano, Jr., “Bro. Ro”, as he’s often called, is a Magna cum Laude of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, a certified public accountant, and now a brother within the Society of Jesus. Bro. Ro attests that he could not have ever attained either of those achievements, nor perhaps would he have found his vocation if not for one further precipitative factor that defines his identity – Bro. Ro was a World Vision sponsored child.

Born to the family of a public utility jeepney driver in a slum of Zamboanga City, Ro was intimated with the harsh realities of poverty early on in life. He was in kindergarten when his father passed away, forcing Ro’s two older brothers to stop schooling, and leaving his mother to take a job at a nearby factory. “I tell you, I’ve experienced poverty at its core,” he attests. “Not eating three times a day? We’ve experienced that! We came from a squatter’s area. Our home was made of nipa and plywood. We didn’t own the land. The situation was very difficult,” he adds.

If Ro’s family’s dire circumstances did not already easily qualify him for enrollment into World Vision’s sponsorship program, perhaps the fact that he yet graduated from kindergarten with honors suggested promise. “My siblings would always be envious because of the new [school] bags and shoes I’d received,” he describes. Ro was sponsored by an Australian family, whose letters he still keeps to this day. “The [sponsorship] program was very helpful because that was the time when we were at our lowest,” Ro says.

Ro made good of the opportunity presented him, and consistently merited 1st honors in elementary before graduating valedictorian. He now admits it was the pressure of keeping his grades within the prescribed range [then a requirement of the sponsorship program] that drove him to excel.

That Ro consistently excelled at school was apparent to his mother, who aspired to enroll him at a private school. She was able to enroll him at a private Catholic high school as a scholar, and with World Vision’s continued support, as he did not have a full scholarship. “I was very happy, because I got a Claretian education, and perhaps it was there that my spirituality and vocation started forming as well,” Ro says, describing his service as sacristan [altar boy] to the nearby convent of the Dominican sisters throughout high school. His grades remained top-notch, ranking him Salutatorian at graduation, though again, Ro humbly attributes this simply to his fear of losing his scholarship.

College came as yet another blessing to Ro. He had been eyeing a course at the local state university, half intimidated by the prospect of attempting a scholarship at the Zamboanga campus of the prestigious Ateneo universities, run by the Jesuit order. Ro knew he couldn’t in any way afford it, but tried anyway, and was granted a full scholarship. What more is the newly-established World Vision community partner, Agape Human Development Foundation, again decided to continue some partial support, for which Ro states he remains eternally grateful. Though Ro could note many previous instances and activities that contributed to the development of his vocation, it was during his freshman year at the Ateneo where he found himself first discerning himself becoming a Jesuit priest. Ro graduated with a degree in BS Accounting, Magna cum Laude.

He nearly diedSoon after graduating, Ro took and passed the Accounting board exam, and was soon hired as a certified public accountant (CPA) by the Philippines’ largest auditing firm. Quickly he put himself to his long-standing ambition to support his family, and grant them a measure of comfort they could not afford in his youth.

He also discovered he could sponsor a child of his own –a prospect that was satisfying in its intimacy with his own childhood. Writing letters to his sponsored child came with unique catharsis, remembering and somehow even fulfilling his childhood excitement whenever he’d receive a letter from his sponsors. Roseller Atilano, Jr. had made it. This was the dream. From a slum in a southern province, he now strode in sleeves and a tie the Philippines’ financial capital. From being a sponsored child, he was now himself a dutiful sponsor.

And then he nearly died.

The Lord’s CallMartin Nanawa | World Vision

Many people ask me why I want to become a priest. Was I lonely? Broken-hearted? God blessed me and my family so much all throughout my life... my automatic response is to love back this God who’s loved me so much.

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While crossing the street one evening, a speeding car nearly plowed into Ro. As tires screeched, and blinded by oncoming headlights, he froze in place, bracing for the impact that remarkably never came. Before he knew it, the vehicle that would’ve ended his life was a mere pair of tail lights trailing in the distance. He was still alive! “My knees were trembling. I felt warm tears running down my cheeks. I sat down along the sidewalk and began to pray,” Ro narrates. His near-death experience helped him take stock of the apparent truth this incident rather poetically represented, “When my work became the center of my life, I felt I lost my life,” Ro found.

Ro soon left his job at the auditing firm and returned to Zamboanga, where he taught at his alma matter for a year. There in his hometown, he almost even came to work for World Vision, but found himself employed by the government’s Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). There he applied his skills as an accountant, among communities of the poor whom he so easily identified with. There in the rural south, organizing farmers, teaching them accounting and bookkeeping, and assembling people’s organizations, Ro found a small measure of peace. “I knew I was real happy, but I also knew this wasn’t the peak of joy. This is the happiness that pushes you to do something more,” Ro said. It was at this time, when he was at his happiest, that Ro decided to become a priest.

The Heart’s Deepest DesiresThe morning of that great decision, Ro woke up startled from a lucid dream. He clearly recalled he was receiving Christ in communion, but saw many pieces of the consecrated host scattered on the floor, which he proceeded to pick off the floor and eat. Waking from that dream he wondered what God had meant by it. Whatever He did mean, Ro’s desire for priesthood returned –intensely. “I realized I had been dodging my vocation,” he admits. Upon discerning his vocation in college, Ro found himself begging off because he had to help his family first. “How could I follow the deepest desires of my heart if my family would starve?” he thought.

Now things were different. He couldn’t tell the Lord “no” or “a little later still”. Through all he had earned and saved, Ro had seen to it his younger sister finished school, and had bought a piece of land for his mother where he built her a home. “It was like the Lord was telling me [with arms folded across his chest+ ‘Didn’t you want to become a priest? What’s stopping you now? What more do you want for yourself?’” Ro narrates, and found himself replying “Nothing more, Lord, nothing more.”

“Go!” was the incontrovertible response Ro clearly felt in his heart.

That same day, Ro hurried to the Ateneo and looked for a priest, crying “Father, help me, I want to become a priest!” through his tears. Within six months of that day, Ro was accepted into the Jesuit pre-novitiate. Parting with his mother proved most difficult, as he had [despite being third of four siblings] long since stood as the head of the family, in his father’s stead. Finally though, is mother’s wisdom granted him her blessing – the sole thing Ro needed now to confidently pursue his vocation.

That was six years ago. After a year of discernment, Ro finally entered the Society of Jesus in 2006, and professed his perpetual vows in 2008. Ro has just completed his Philosophy studies and will be assigned to teach in Cebu for two years, after which he will complete four more years of Theology before his ordination and subsequent missioning to where God only knows. His skills at accounting remain in good use, handling minor financials within the Order, and where applicable among the social apostolates he’s responsible for. Most importantly, there in the Society of Jesus, where Bro. Ro has been called in fullness of Truth, he lives with joy in fullness of life.

“Many people ask me why I want to become a priest. Was I lonely? Broken-hearted? I say, the reason why is because I’m full of gratitude. God’s blessed me and my family so much all throughout my life. My heart is just full of gratitude to the Lord, my automatic response is to love back this God who’s loved me so much. Siksik, liglig at umaapaw. Even until now as a Jesuit, I want to be in the social apostolate, working with the poor. I love that work because I came from it.”


Many students dropped out of school or could not afford to go to school because of numerous factors but foremost is economic reason. A child whose parents earn a meager income by tilling the fields, fishing or doing part time work at a nearby factory would likely not finish school and instead help the family make a living. A child who missed education will live a life rife with challenges and missed opportunities.

World Vision understands that both the rights of the child to education and the family’s financial resiliency must be addressed at the same time. World Vision encourages family saving through the Community Managed Savings and Credit Associations (CoMSCA). In 45 communities where World Vision works, a total of 13,684 families benefited from 1,396 CoMSCA groups. Total savings from these groups amount to Php24.4 million ($533,000.00) as of September 2011. In Leyte, three CoMSCA groups have a total saving of Php 89,726.00 ($2,000) from the member’s contributions, interests and penalty.

CoMSCA provided families the importance of savings to help them in difficult times. In South Cotabato, CoMSCA helped Nelma Dablio to pay her mortgaged farm lot and to buy a motorcycle.

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OPPOSITE PAGEWorld Vision and community partners promote environmental protection. Fishermen, who agreed not to use dynamites for fishing, show a good harvest.


I am very thankful because CoMSCA was introduced to our barangay. I was transformed from being a gambler into a saver.

CoMSCA groups were also organized among children in the communities. A total of 168 child-led CoMSCA groups were also formed in 2011 benefitting 3,219 children. The children’s total fund as of September 2011 amounted to Php 446,928.00 ($10,000.00). In Sarangani, 87 CoMSCA groups were formed with a total savings of Php 876,471.00 ($20,868) of which Php 14,374.00 ($342) was contributed by the children.

World Vision also conducted trainings about natural farming methods. By using indigenous materials as pesticides and fertilizers, families were able to save money usually spent on buying chemicals. In 2011, there were 16,818 families who benefitted from World Vision’s promotion of natural farming system and FORWARD (Food Education with Agricultural Development and Sustainability).

In Cambuac Sur in Sikatuna, Bohol, a farmer’s group that used organic technology of mixing sea water with vermicast increased vegetable yield by 10%. The group has been earning from Php10,000 - 16,000 ($200 - $400) from their

Vilma Pacilan on World Vision’s Community Managed Savings and Credit Associations

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” transformed from being

” transformed from being

World Vision livelihood intervention has helped families earn enough money to sustain their family’s needs


CoMSCA member Fe Pabatang, or Neneng as she is fondly called by her folks in Sto. Nino, South Cotabato, is a loving mother of three and wife to Ricky, a hard-working driver. To augment the income of her husband, Neneng sells ice buko (a locally made coconut-flavored ice candy).

“Thrice a week I made 128 pieces of ice buko and sell them at Php5.00 (less than $1.00) each. I would deliver to where many rice farmers are. Everyday I earned Php300 ($7) for selling 60 pieces of ice buko,” Neneng shares. From her income, she is able to save Php50.00 ($1) to purchase five CoMSCA shares every meeting.

The maximum loan she availed from CoMSCA was Php 4,500.00 ($100) which she used to pay for the tuition fee of her children and during family emergencies. Because of her good performance as a CoMSCA member, Neneng received a total of Php 18,180.00 ($45) last year for a total of 250 shares. The earning she received paid for her housing loan and was used as starting capital for her planned rice business.

When asked what motivates her to be part of CoMSCA, Neneng replies, “Sa CoMSCA indi mako-ot ang ginatago mo nga kwarta. Indi ka man ka-withdraw dali-dali. Kung dako ang savings mo, dako man ang makuha mo sa isa ka-tuig!” (When you save in CoMSCA you are assured that your money is safe. You can’t just withdraw anytime you want. The more you save, the higher you get in one year).

vegetable produce. The group’s organic method impressed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that they were contracted to plant 10,000 indigenous tree seedlings in the said area.

World Vision also provides assistance to families on livelihood training as another source of income for the family. In Sto. Nino, South Cotabato, Erlinda Frugalidad, a mother, earned an additional Php 3,000 ($71.00) from selling herbal plant capsules that she sold to government employees, teachers and parents. Erlinda learned processing herbal medicine into capsules after she attended a training conducted by World Vision and its community partner, Gentud Foundation.

Our community partner in Cavite was able to earn Php 224,820.00 (USD$5,255.25) last year for selling native bags to a famous handicraft store with branches in numerous malls nationwide.

A good member’s benefit Rubilyn Gonzaga | World Vision

Some of the products from World Vision-assisted communities


World Vision’s advocacy on children’s rights is anchored on the UN’s Convention of the Rights of the Child which is widely ratified by governments in various countries and covers wide spectrum of social, cultural, economic and political rights of children.

Doing advocacy entails partnering, engaging and convincing people to act on issues that affect children. World Vision works with several partners at the local and national levels to deliver results and encourages children’s participation. World Vision is an active member of 13 networks.

World Vision continued its active participation as convenor of the Disaster Risk Reduction Network that lobbied for the passage of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (RA10121). World Vision also leads the climate change adaptation committee of Aksyon Klima, a network of civil society organizations in the Philippines to grapple more effectively the serious threats posed by the global climate crisis on our highly vulnerable country. World Vision was re-elected as vice-convener of the NGO Coalition on UNCRC, where it is a member since 2009.

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OPPOSITE PAGECommitment signing to promote children’s safety in communities


World Vision’s experience in advocating for disaster preparedness has been recognized in several international fora like in the Asia Pacific Regional Forum held in Bangkok, Global Platform Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva and in the Global Resilience Community of Practice in London.

Along with other networks and coalitions, World Vision advocates the following:

Positive and Non-violent Discipline on Children Act. The bill emphasizes that corporal punishment is inconsistent with the requirements of respect for the child’s dignity stipulated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

Foster Care Bill. Under the bill, foster parents will be provided with counseling, training on childcare and development, respite care, skills training and livelihood assistance.

World Vision staff facilitates a training on network and capacity-building

World Vision Executive Director Elnora Avarientos speaks before partner government agencies during the World Vision-Department of Health partnership forum

World Vision Public Engagement Director Filomena Portales discuss with Congresswoman Lani Mercado on Positive Discipline Act


Child Affected by Armed Conflict Act. This bill promotes the special protection of children involved in, affected by or displaced by armed conflict and providing penalties for its violations.

Refusal to the amendments on the Juvenile Justice Law. The amendments state that youth offenders on specific cases like murder, rape or other offenses punishable by more than 12 years will be facing criminal liabilities in accordance with the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code. It seeks to redefine the age of discernment from 15 years old to 9 years old.

Alternative budget allocation for education and nutrition. This seeks to advocate for a bigger budget allocation for education (20%) and 10% for health and nutrition.

Most of these bills have passed the House of Representatives and are now being deliberated in the Senate.

� National Council of Social Development (NCSD)

� Alliance of Churches in Development Agencies (ACDA)

� Child Rights Network (CRN)

� Philippine NGO Coalition on UN CRC

� Disaster Risk Reduction Network Philippines (DRRNetPhils)

� Aksyon Klima

� Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP)

� Family Network (FAMNET)

� Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PHILCAT)

� Education Network Philippines (E-Net Phils.)

� National Labor Committee

� Micah Challenge - Philippines

� Koalisyon Para Alagaan at Isalba ang Nutrisyon (KAIN)

� Area-based Standard Network

Membership in Networks and Coalitions

Participants during the Orientation on the Use of Manual of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children


During times of disaster, children are the most affected. Their education is interrupted. Their health is threatened. Their natural environment where they usually play and mingle with other children change. These sudden changes caused by disasters can have profound impact on children’s emotions and behavior.

World Vision promotes children’s safety by training them to understand and care for their environment. World Vision’s Child-focused Disaster Risk Reduction (CFDRR) trains both children and adults on environmental preservation and disaster preparedness. Children along with adults participate in formulating a disaster preparedness plan. In Agusan del Sur, the disaster preparedness plan created during a CFDRR served as reference to mitigate the impact of flashfloods to communities.

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OPPOSITE PAGEWorld Vision teaches children on safety


Speaking at the United Nations Thematic Debate on Disaster Risk Reduction, with no less than a Senator of the Republic, Teofisto Guingona III, in his company, would have otherwise terrified Arnel Alipao, a 17-year old World Vision sponsored child, had he been asked this when he was first enrolled in the World Vision’s sponsorship program when he was in 3rd Grade.

Arnel described himself then as a very shy and bashful boy, timid before an audience and inarticulate in speech. It’s Arnel’s participation in World Vision activities that taught him not just to mingle with other children, but to become assertive as well. Before his audience at the United Nations, he was nothing but driven and resolute –prepared to assert not just his own perspective, but a position representing the youth of the Philippines.

Arnel’s journey to the UN didn’t begin in Manila, however. A native of Mainit, town in Surigao del Norte, Arnel had to brave the very subject matter of his upcoming address just to get to the capital ---- disaster. His hometown, along with several communities in Surigao, had been flooded from heavy monsoon rains brought by the La Niña phenomenon.

“Our town is prone to disasters. Lengthy rains lead us to expect landslides. We’re lucky Surigao del Norte is a pilot area for Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives,” Arnel says.

His community is now properly advised of what conditions necessitate evacuation. They’ve coordinated safe assembly points at high ground where they’ll meet, and even the children know to remind their parents to carry only the essentials. That children and the youth are properly advised is important, according to Arnel, because of their unique capability at disseminating information.

“The youth are more up-to-date, because of school [briefings] and the internet,” Arnel says. “This is why I recommended Disaster Risk Reduction be included in the academic curriculum starting in elementary, so that kids may be aware of issues and behaviors,” he adds, describing the thesis of his speech at the UN last February 10.

A boy’s fight for the environmentMartin Nanawa | World Vision

I’m very glad to have represented the Filipino youth. I’m thankful to God for the opportunity. God wants us to address such issues [as disasters and disaster preparedness]...Arnel Alipao on his experience in presenting CFDRR in the UN Thematic Debateon Disaster Risk Reduction

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” preparedness]...” preparedness]...

Sponsored child Arnel Alipao


Youth DRR advocates like Arnel had been hard at work before the rains came. Their presence at quorums held with the local government adds credence to their advocacy, facilitating linking not just of the youth with the authorities, but of other stakeholders as well. On top of information dissemination, Arnel had been invested in two sizeable initiatives before the rains came:

Pulot-Kalat [Rubbish Cleanup] campaign. Supported by the village children’s association and other youth associations, Pulot-Kalat worked to mitigate flooding by clearing rubbish from canals and drainage systems. “Flood levels are lower this year,” says Arnel, noting the need to maintain this activity monthly.

Environment and Tree-Planting campaign. Arnel and his peers have mobilized to plant trees in support of reforestation initiatives in Mt. San Fransisco, where the community claims mining activities have affected the balance of their ecosystem. Arnel says “We appreciate those people [mobilizing against mining] but we encourage them to refrain from violent action. We made many placards and signs expressing our position against destructive mining.” They also moved village officials, schools, the local government and police to initiate discussions to prevent environmental damage.

These efforts notwithstanding, Arnel believes progressively more effort is necessary. He himself had to brave chest-high floodwaters at the inception of his journey, even fording a river on a raft partially built from bundled bananas, of all things.

Children identify children’s rights and issues during World Vision’s Children’s Congress


World Vision immediately responds to children affected by disaster through provision of relief goods and psycho-social intervention for children. One of the biggest disasters in 2011 was Typhoon Juan (international name Megi) that devastated several provinces in Northern Luzon. A day after the super typhoon devastated the provinces of Isabela and Cagayan Valley, World Vision teams were immediately deployed to assess the impact to communities and needs of the affected families especially the children. World Vision reached more than 22,000 families and 6,900 children and provided them with basic food and non-food items.

Child Friendly Space, a psycho-social intervention for children affected by the disaster, helped 4,500 children in Isabela to cope with their situation through games, songs, dances, puppet shows and drawings. Even weeks after disaster hit the areas in Isabela, World Vision continued to provide support to families recovering from emergencies by assisting them on house repairs and provision of rice and corn seeds.

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OPPOSITE PAGEA child affected by disaster sits on make-shift boat


The last quarter of 2010 also witnessed floods in Davao City. An estimated 14,000 families were affected. World Vision along with its community partner reached out to 2,500 affected families by providing emergency relief that included food and non-food items such as blankets, towels, hygiene kits and slippers for kids. Child-friendly spaces were also established to help flood-affected children.

Numerous flashfloods in 2011 also happened in the eastern part of Mindanao. World Vision responded to the flashflood in Agusan del Sur that affected more than 29,000 households. Families were given 25 kilos of rice, canned goods, one pack coffee, a pack of iodized salt and powedered milk and a can of biscuits. World Vision also assisted 2,591 families whose houses were submerged by flashflood in Butuan City.

In September 2011, several areas in Bulacan were surprised with two successive typhoons Pedring (international name Nesat) and Quiel (Nalgae) which flooded the communities. It has never happened for the past 10 years in the province, local residents said. For nearly two weeks, houses in Bulacan

I thank God for giving us the comfort that we need.Noriel, 8, on World Vision’s relief response in Davao City

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giving us the comfort ”

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Families recieved World Vision relief goods during disasters that hit Isabela, Bulacan and Manila.


were submerged in floodwater affecting electricity, water supply and local businesses making it more difficult for families to look for food and water. World Vision immediately responded to several areas in Bulacan by providing more than 20,000 families with food and non-food items.

Along with other non-governmental organizations, World Vision continuously advocated for Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act for local government units to mitigate the impact of disaster especially on children.

A reason to smileMary Antonette Siason | Supreme Student Council President | Maconacon Central Elementary School

“Napakaswerteng panahon dahil nadalaw tayo ng isang organisasyong napapanood lang namin sa telebisyon. Lubos ang aming pasasalamat sapagkat nandito kayo para kami ay damayan at tulungan sa aming sinapit kay bagyong Juan.(We’ve been very fortunate to be visited by an organization we only see on TV. We’re deeply thankful you’re here to help and comfort us after what we have suffered from Typhoon Juan.)”

Kahit bata pa po kami, naramdaman po namin ang matinding takot, sindak, at pagpalahaw ng iyak sapagkat ito ang kaunaunahang bagyo sa aming buhay na nagdulot ng napakatinding trahedya. (Even though we’re young, we feel fear, terror and tremendous grief because this was the first storm that inflicted a terrible tragedy upon us.)

Natatangi ang oras na ito sapagkat nandito po kayo para ipadama sa amin na di kami nag-iisa kahit napakahirap marating ang aming bayan. (This is a special time because you are here to make us feel that we’re not alone despite the remoteness of our town.)

Hindi po matatawaran ang inyong dedikasyon kaya sampu ng mga mag-aaral ng Maconacon Central, isinisigaw po ng aming puso ang labis-labis na pasasalamat unang-una sa Dakilang Lumikha at sa inyo sapagkat nagagawa pa rin naming ngumiti dahil sa dala ninyong bagong pag-asa. (We cannot fully repay your dedication. We, the students of Maconacon Central, are giving our overwhelming gratitude first to our Maker and to you [World Vision] for the smile and hope that you’ve brought upon us.)

Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay ang World Vision! (Many thanks and long live World Vision!)”

(The speech was delivered during the World Vision culminating activity in Maconacon, Isabela after more than 6 months of providing relief and rehabilitation assistance in the said province.)


As a Christian organization, World Vision values the relationship of children with God. Integral in all World Vision programmes and projects is the spiritual nurture of children. Spiritual nurture helps children become better and responsible persons. Children activities such as reflection, prayer and fun team games contribute to their spiritual nurture.

Spiritual nurture also strengthens family and community relationships. Our Christian Witness Initiative (CWI) project envisioned World Vision’s communities and stakeholders to have an enhanced understanding of and appreciation for the Christian faith, to have a greater opportunity to respond to the Gospel and to be encouraged in their discipleship.

Witnessing for Christ calls for discernment in how to creatively learn from and with the children. Through CWI, World Vision was able to genuinely listen to children’s perspectives on well-being, understanding of spiritual nurture, their own spiritual journey and experience, and their thoughts on the draft policy on spiritual nurture of children.

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A total of 230 children, ages 5 to 18, served as resource persons in the series of focus group discussions on faith expressions and reflections on child well-being outcomes. Their inputs served as basis for the production of resource materials on the spiritual nurture of children.

Aside from this valuable contribution of children, CWI also challenged people’s conventional view of children’s spirituality. Those involved in CWI now understand children’s spirituality in a wider and deeper sense, and realized that children’s spirituality is not tied up with their religious traditions.

This new learning about children’s spirituality has also inspired parents to be role models to their children. Parents have expressed their desire to start having an open communication with their children and nurturing a much closer relationship with them. They have decided to refrain from cursing, to stop spanking little children when they neglected prayer time, and stop preventing children from attending church.

Religiosity may not beable to unite Catholics,Evangelicals and Muslims, but spirituality can.Pastor Joey Umali on World Vision’s intervention on spiritual nurture

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” Muslims, but spirituality

” Muslims, but spirituality


World Vision also sought to enhance its partnerships and effective involvement with churches and other faith-based organizations (FBOs) in holistic witness in relief, economic development, and working with children. One unique advantage of World Vision from other groups is its collaboration with Christian denominations and the involvement of Muslims and others in its programmes.

CWI saw the breaking down of walls of differences and prejudices among people of divergent religious backgrounds, and these walls were being replaced by openness to learning from one another. Not only walls of differences were broken down, people were also liberated from fears brought about by differences of faith.

A Muslim named Julhaber Jubail said that he also had some apprehensions, especially upon learning that Christians would lead the training on the spiritual nurture of children. He thought they might go the wrong way. However, he discovered that the curriculum teaches the same values as theirs.

Grateful to GodRio Beluan | World Vision sponsored child Surigao del Norte

“Looking back over the years, I saw significant changes in my life as a result of my involvement with World Vision and Surigao Norte Peoples Initiatives Development Association (SNPIDA),” shared Rio Beluan, 23, World Vision sponsored child who had just graduated from Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Surigao City State of College and Technology.

Rio has been a sponsored child since 2000. He grew up with his grandparents after his parents separated when he was only two years old. He, along with his twin brothers, Regie and Rogen, were entrusted by their mother to their grandparents.

Although their grandparents loved them, Rio felt emptiness in his heart. He admitted that he spent little time for prayers and had less concern for other people. But something changed after he became part of World Vision and SNPIDA.

“I became a churchgoer and offered prayers for every achievement and circumstance that happened in my life. I became active in community activities and supported the children’s activities. With guidance from God and the support of SNPIDA and World Vision, I was able to achieve my dreams,” Rio said.

Rio said he encounters many frustrations and disappointments in his life but he remains firm with his faith. When he graduated on March 24, 2011, Rio was happy and grateful for the blessings that he recieved from God.

“I have achieved my ambition in life. I am grateful to God, SNPIDA and World Vision for giving me this opportunity of a better life,” he said. He also encouraged fellow sponsored children to be faithful to God. He ended by sharing Proverbs 16:3 “Entrust your works to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

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encourageeach

encourageeach

encourage

each

otherencourage

otherencourage

otherandbuild

upjustas youare

upareup

alreadydoing

,

.1 Thessalonians 5:11


World Vision works with various individuals and sectors --- corporate donors, sponsors, celebrities, government officials, international humanitarian agencies, the academe and other non-governmental organizations --- to advance and promote solutions that would provide a lasting impact in the lives of Filipino children, their families and communities. In every journey that we take, we walk with our partners to witness God’s work in the poor communities and to be part of World Vision ministry.

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Every year, World Vision gives the sponsors and sponsored children the chance to meet in person. The meeting has always been moving for sponsors who, for the first time, would personally hear the stories of their sponsored children. Likewise, sponsored children are happy to see their second parents who care for them and encourage them to fulfill their dreams.

For sponsors in the Philippines, Lakbay Pag-asa gives loyal sponsors and sponsored children a chance to personally meet each other. In partnership with Cebu Pacific, Lakbay Pag-asa 2011 brought loyal sponsors to the province of Aklan where they met with sponsored children and visited the children’s community.

The meeting has always been exciting and memorable. For most children, it would be their first time to see the people who have been helping them. For most sponsors, it would be their chance to meet their sponsored children whom they only know through pictures and letters. Through games and

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OPPOSITE PAGEA World Vision sponsor meets her sponsored child during the Lakbay Pag-Asa


contests, both the sponsors and their sponsored children would get to know each other in a more personal way.

Lakbay Pag-asa also takes sponsors to the communities where their sponsored children live. One of the sponsors, Mr. Jose Dee, was deeply moved by the situation of his sponsored child’s community where materials used for weaving mats are pounded manually for two hours. He initiated a fund-raising activity from amassing his fellow sponsors to make a pounding machine for the community in Nabas, Aklan. The machine was turned over to the community last year and has made weaving easier for the people in Nabas.

Last year, Canadian singer Jodi King (Jodi Radmaker) along with her husband and mother visited Aklan to meet her sponsored child, Regilyn. Jodi gave Regilyn school supplies, a shirt, photo clips and her latest music album. As a token of gratitude, Regilyn gave Jodi a simple souvenir scrapbook about her dreams and about her community.

I did not expect it to happen because we are poor. But God is so kind because He gave me an exhilarating experience and happiness.Jessa Mae, 9, on her experience meeting her Taiwanese sponsor in Taiwan.

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” exhilarating experience

” exhilarating experience

Sponsors are happy to finally meet their sponsored children during World Vision’s Lakbay Pag-asa Famous Canadian singer Jodi King with her husband flew to Aklan to meet their sponsored child, Regilyn.


A wonderful giftNaiza | World Vision sponsored childDavao City

Cecille Corvera | World Vision

During our stay in Taiwan, our schedule was very full but I never felt tired. I only felt happiness and excitement. The child participants were very kind and friendly. We came from different countries and the only way we communicated to each other was through hand signals. This only proved that language and age are not a hindrance in building friendship.

I was also personally able to talk to Taiwan’s First Lady and World Vision Taiwan’s Director!

Another experience I would never forget was when we went to Kaoshung. During the press conference and photo exhibit, a World Vision staff told me I would be last to present. What I did not expect was that they had a surprise for me. I was stunned to see my sponsor and her daughter. We had a very emotional time on stage. We cried and even the people watching us cried.

That time was one of the wonderful gifts and opportunities God has given me. I’m very lucky because I was chosen to visit a foreign country. World Vision inspires me a lot! Thank you World Vision for giving me this opportunity. Thank you so much for enlightening my mind that I have a role in this world to play. I love you!

(Naiza visited Taiwan after her photo entries won the World Vision Taiwan’s photo contest dubbed “I Am Changed Because Of You…”)

An old man walks slowly into the room.

He’s tall, decently dressed in white barong and strides like an accomplished military officer in his youth. He looks stern from afar but as he steps closer to the crowd, his gaze somewhat undrapes a heart warmly beaming within.

Doroteo “Doty” Coronel, 81, has been a World Vision sponsor since 1999. For Doty, it was a special moment to finally meet his sponsored child, Joseph, for the first time after 12 years. Joseph, who is graduating from high school with honors, is one of the sponsored child whom World Vision is recognizing that night.

When I asked if he still remembers his sponsored child’s name, Doty just smiled and said,“I have three and honestly, I don’t really remember all their names.” He was smiling still while retrieving his memory for names when the host suddenly called Joseph on stage for an opening prayer.

The moment he heard of Joseph’s name, Doty got keyed up to sweepingly scan around and look for the face of a grown up boy who was just called to walk up the stage. Mr. Coronel whispered, “I think he’s my child!”

When Joseph’s name was called again to receive a plaque, Doty eagerly stood up and awarded the plaque to Joseph who was already smiling from ear to ear before he could even shake the hand of his sponsor.

Seeing his sponsored child for the first time, Doty, in tears but smiling, says, “Happy! Very happy!”

Early last year, Doty was diagnosed with lung cancer. The doctor said he barely had six months to live because of the uncontrollable growth of lung cancer cells that obstructed his airway passages. Thankfully, he surpassed the six-month survival period but was still under observation.

With his condition, talking took more time than usual as he had to catch his breath before going on to his point. His breathing difficulty can only allow him to take a few steps. I’m glad those “few” counted steps needed enabled him to go to the stage and back to his seat.

I tried to comfort Doty by affirming God’s purpose in his life. But just like a little child, he candidly shared, “I believe in divine intervention. Someone up there loves me, that’s why I am still here!”

Doty left the hall with a promise to give college scholarship to Joseph. “It doesn’t matter if I am ill or called to go home. When I retired I have already set aside some money to help the poor children. My hope is for Joseph to become a successful Engineer!”

(Doty’s children continue sponsoring the children after he passed away last 2011)

Sponsor meets child after 12 years


World Vision continuously partners with local and national government agencies and other non-governmental organizations in advocating for children’s rights and protection. We closely work with the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Council for the Protection of Children, Office of the Civil Defense, Department of Health and Department of Interior and Local Government. World Vision’s initiatives on HIV and AIDS, Christian Witness and Peacebuilding have also involved faith-based groups to work together for the children.

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Lea Salonga

Marc Nelson

Derek RamsaySam Concepcion

Chris Tiu

Miriam Quiambao Krissy and Ericka

Nikki GilTippy dos SantosRaymond Sajor

Julius & Tin-tin Babao

Karen Davila

Sam Milby


Our celebrity advocates have been actively part of many World Vision activities. During our relief operation in Isabela, Derek Ramsay assisted in distributing relief goods to affected families. In the flashflood-affected areas in Bulacan, Karen Davila, Miriam Quiambao, Jasmine Curtis and Raymond Sajor helped families through distribution of food and other emergency item. World Vision celebrity advocates also help push for social issues that promote the well-being of children. Miriam Quiambao strongly positions against child labor. Tippy dos Santos and Christian Bautista take the stand for the rights of children to be in school.

celebrityadvocates

It gives my motherly soul more purpose and meaning here on Earth.Tin-tin Bersola-Babao on being a celebrity sponsor.

“”

corporatedonorsHelping Filipino children to have a better life and future is also made possible through corporate engagement. Corporate donors help the organization in countless ways, from sponsoring children to responding during disaster. The Tulong Aral Project, a partnership between World Vision and Petron Foundation, has supported 4,209 children to have access to education. The project is now on its third year. The Bridge to Employment Program, a partnership between World Vision and Johnson&Johnson, links college students to companies for employment. It has helped 49 students graduate last year. Our Corporate Partner ING Bank has been assisting children with their education since 2007.

ABS-CBN - Budoy ProductionABS-CBN Publishing, Inc.ABSCBN PublishingAdenip, Inc. (Folded & Hung)Adolfo Suzara Foundation IncAlabang Town CenterAll Condition Gear PhilippinesAlphadentAnvil RehabAquabestAteneo School of Social SciencesAviles PhotographyBank Mktg. Assoc.of the Phils.Becca Music Inc.BinalotBlastasia, Inc.Brand Equity Consulting Inc.Brenntag Ingredients Inc.Bureau of Jail Management & PenologyBusiness WorldCebu HoldingsCharities Aid FoundationChiang Kai Shek Batch 2002Chronotron Inc. (Unisilver Time)Citibank N.A.CliniqueConvergys Philippines ServicesCreative Technologies Inc.

CTE Productions, IncDavinesDB & BDB&B Philippines, Inc.Diwa LearningDream AdEast West BankEastern Telecom Phils. Inc.Electobox Asia CorporationEspartero Ink Co.EspressoExtreme ScienceFestival MallFEU - Beta Sigma Medicine ChapterFluor, Inc. PhilippinesFujitsu Ten Solutions PhilippinesGateway, AranetaGeneral ElectricGlaxoSmithKline FoundationGlobal Link MOP Events Int’lGolden HandsGrace Christian ChurchGreenbeltHalcrowHealthway Medical CorporateHenkel Asia Pacific Service Henkel Philippines, Inc.Hotel & Restaurant Financial Officers

HW-ANGS INC.IBM - CommonwealthInk All You CanIntegrated Micro-Electronics,IntelIntelligent Skin , Inc.JDF Law / Patrick Mirandah Co.JPMorgan Chase & Co.Kantar World PannelKepco Ilijan CorporationKepco Philippines CorporationKepco-SPC Power CorporationKrispy KremeLa Nilad Coffee & TeahouseLawson ManilaLBC Express Inc.Learning CurveLozatech, Ltd.Magical TouchPoints Sol. Co.Mapfre InsularMarket Market!MayniladMD PharmaMedia PoolMega SardinesMega WorldMegaworld Foundation Inc.Mercury Drug CorporationMetrobank Internal Audit GroupMicro Insurance Associates AgencyMore and More International TradingMTS-CSRMysolid Technologies & DevicesNational Bookstore FoundationNetwork 21New World International Dev’t.Newtrends International Corp.Nexus Technologies, Inc.Noble HouseNokiaOMF Literature Inc.Optica International TradingOtsuka Phils. PharmaceuticalPancake House, Inc.Parsons BrimckerhoffPfizer - Consumer HealthcarePhil Bookfairs & Education IncPhil. Christian Literature IncPhilgear International Inc.PPDevelopment (S) PTe Ltd.PS BankQuirks Marketing PhilippinesRamon Aboitiz Foundation

Renn Mill Center Inc.Resourceful International MarkREX WorldWide InternationalRobinsons ForumRobinsons GalleriaRobinsons Land CorporationRobinsons ManilaRobinsons Supermarket CorporationRodriguez Eye Care ClinicRotary ClubRUCS KonsultSAGA EventsSalt and Light VenturesSan Mateo National High SchoolSea AirSeattle’s BestSecurity BankSEOP AsiaServier Philippines, Inc.Sino Freight Forwarding & ServicesSitel PhilippinesSM Mall of AsiaSM MegamallSM North EDSA AnnexSM North EDSA The BlockStartek Int’l LimitedSTI Alumni AssociationSuarez & Sons, Inc.Sulit.com.phSun Life Financial-MulberrySykest-shirt ni juanThe Protestant Church in OmanThemes and MotifsThis Is It PhotographyTicketworldTransnational E-Business Solutions IncTriNoma Ayala MallTupperware Brands Philippines, IncU! Happy EventsUAP ManilaUltrasonic Broadcasting SystemUnileverUnion Bank of the PhilippinesUnited Neon Advertising Inc.VaxcenVillage ChoiceWaterfrontWorldtext Systems Inc.XTI Shell MuñozYell Adworks

communitypartners

World Vision’s strength is its continuing partnership with community-based organizations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Composed of sponsored families, volunteers and local staff, our community partners assist in providing education, health, economic and relief assistance to children, families and communities.

LUZONPangkaunlaran Development Association, Inc.Green Meadow Development Foundation, Inc.Patnubay Development Project, Inc.Samahan ng Ministeryong Pangkaunlaran sa Kanluran ng Palawan, Inc.Ligaya ng Buhay Community Development Foundation, Inc.Batong Sandigan Development Foundation, Inc.Green Valley Development Program, Inc.Batong Sandigan Development Foundation, Inc.Shoreline Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran

VISAYASAbante Aklan, Inc.Rising Sun Association for Development, Inc.Magbinuligon Parents Association, Inc,Federation of Omega Beneficiaries, Inc.Northwestern Leyte Development Parents Association, Inc. Association for Improvement of Line (Aimlife), Inc.Bohol Concerned Citizens Action for Progress, Inc. (BCCAP)Sikap sa Pag-Uswag Foundation, Inc. (SIKAP)United Families for Transformational Development, Inc.Sustainable Opportunities for Genuine Optimistic Development, Inc. United People of South Cebu for Development , Inc. (UPSCDI)United Families of Northern Cebu for Genuine Development, Inc.Palanan-Awon Pangkauswagan Sang Antique. Inc.Magbinuligon Parents Association, Inc,United Families of Northern Cebu for Genuine Development, Inc.

MINDANAOAgape Human Development Foundation, Inc.Hugpong sa Kalambuan-Dabaw, Inc.Bangon Agusan del Sur Alang sa Kalambuan (BASAK), Inc.League of Intimates and Service Oriented (LISO), Inc. Lihok Surigao sa Kalambuan Association (LISURKA), Inc.Pangkalambuan, Inc.Surigao Norte People’s Initiative Development Association (SNPIDA), Inc.Himaya Development Project, Inc.Kahayag Development Project, Inc.Makasaka Mo, Inc. South Cotabato Tri-People Gentud Foundation, Inc

Revenue Sources

Operating Expenses

Percentage Distribution of Project Costs

financesInternational private cash contributions 680 62%

Local private cash contributions 193 18%

Government and multilateral grants 170 15%

Corporate donors 46 4%

Other income 13 1%

TOTAL 1,102 100%

Education & Child Sponsorship 45%

Health 16%

Relief and Rehabilitation 12%

Leadership Development & Value Formation 11%

Economic Development 10%

Advocacy & Environmental protection 6%

TOTAL 100%

Program services 928 89%

Management and general 68 7%

Local fundraising 45 4%

TOTAL 1,041 100%

62%

89%

45%

16%

12%11%

10%

6%

7% 4%

18%15%

4%1%

In FY2011, 89% of World Vision’s total operating expenses were used for programs that benefit children, families and communities in need.

In FY2011, 12% of total program services expenses were used for relief and rehabilitation projects due to Typhoon Juan (Megi), Typhoon Pedring (Nesat) and Typhoon Quiel (Nalgae) relief operations.

(in million pesos) %

%

%

(in million pesos)

Atty. Liwayway Vinzons-Chato ChairpersonGlicerio S. Abad Vice-ChairpersonDr. Violeta V. Bautista SecretaryEduardo C. Jimenez TreasurerMs. Remedios R. Baclea-an MemberMs. Kristin Karen L. Davila MemberAtty. Alexander L. Lacson MemberBishop Deogracias S. Iniguez MemberMr. Kevin John Jenkins Ex-OfficioMr. Trihadi Saptoadi Ex-OfficioMs. Elnora Bailen-Avarientos Ex-Officio

Elnora Bailen-Avarientos Executive DirectorDilsy K. Arbutante Children in MinistryBoris F. Joaquin Publics in MinistryJose G. Bersales, Jr. Humanitarian and Emergency AffairsFilomena M. Portales Advocacy and CommunicationsJoy B. Alvarez Organizational Development and Human ResourcesMarie T. Demafelis Strategic Planning and ManagementMa. Angela Q. Aberin Finance, Administration and SystemsKathleen R. Barrera Audit

Leadership

Boardof*

*Leadership

*Leadership Team

Trustees

*as of September 2011

World Vision Development Foundation www.worldvision.org.ph

389 Quezon Avenue corner West 6th StreetWest Triangle, Quezon City 1104

Philippines

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Annual Report 2011

Documents

Transcript of Annual Report 2011