The Philippines is a nation made up of more than 7,000 islands, rich in culture, beauty, and faith. Its people are known for their warmth, hospitality, and resilience in the face of hardship. Yet behind the country’s natural beauty and economic progress lies a harsh reality: millions of Filipinos continue to live in poverty, struggling every day to provide food, shelter, and education for their families.
Despite years of economic growth, nearly one in four Filipinos still lives below the national poverty line. Many families, especially in rural areas and small islands, survive on less than a few dollars a day. Access to clean water, stable electricity, and healthcare remains limited in many provinces. Children often go to school hungry or are forced to drop out early to help their families earn a living. The gap between the rich and poor continues to grow, leaving millions trapped in cycles of poverty that can be hard to break.
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Typhoons, floods, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions regularly destroy homes and livelihoods. Every year, thousands of families lose everything they have and are forced to rebuild with little or no help. These disasters not only deepen poverty but also disrupt education and access to medical care, especially in remote communities where resources are already scarce.
Food insecurity is another major challenge. According to the World Bank, more than 26% of Filipino children under five suffer from malnutrition. In many rural regions, families eat just one or two small meals a day. Malnutrition weakens children’s health, hinders learning, and affects their long-term development. For many parents, the daily struggle is not only about surviving but about keeping hope alive for a better future.
While education is highly valued in Filipino culture, millions of children still lack access to quality schooling. Many public schools are overcrowded and underfunded, and students often have to walk miles to attend class. For those who graduate, finding stable employment is difficult. Low wages and limited job opportunities force many to seek work overseas, separating families for years at a time.
World of Assistance is working in the Philippines to care for orphaned and vulnerable children, providing them with safe housing, education, daily meals, and ongoing community outreach. Through love, faith, and consistent care, we are helping to build brighter futures for the next generation.