After 51 years of supporting children in the Philippines, Compassion has officially launched local fundraising operations. The funds raised will support Compassion’s project work in the Philippines, empowering Filipinos to help those in their own country living in poverty.
This significant milestone marks a shift from solely being a program country to also being a fundraising country.
5.6 million low-income households include children who are vulnerable to the impacts of disasters and emergencies.
Chief Operations Officer at Compassion Australia Tony Broughton is overseeing this project and said Compassion is committed to empowering local communities towards self-sufficiency.
“By equipping local fundraising teams, we’re taking important steps towards self-reliance and reducing dependence on external funding sources,” said Broughton.
“This means more significant and sustainable impact on breaking the cycle of poverty.”
Broughton highlighted that the Philippines was identified as a fundraising country because of Compassion’s long history and existing relationships formed over 50 years of serving the most vulnerable children.
National Director at Compassion Philippines Noel Pabiona said they currently partner with over 450 local partners and are eager to start fundraising for their own programs.
“Our dedicated staff and volunteers are getting ready to invite Filipinos to join Compassion in our mission to release more children from poverty in Jesus’ name.”
“We have an active base of program graduates, many of whom are excited to contribute to community fundraising activities,” added Noel.
The Philippines has taken significant steps to rise above poverty in recent years. However, rampant online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) and frequent natural disasters threaten this progress.
- 4 out of 5 children in the Philippines are vulnerable to online sexual abuse or bullying.
- 1 in 10 children and youth aged 6-24 are out of school, with marriage listed as the top reason.
This historic occasion for Compassion was marked with food, singing and celebration at a launch event in Manila, attended by around 200 individuals, including a heart-warming reunion with many Compassion program graduates – the bright and hopeful faces of young people whose lives have been changed.