Why Bicol Needs Us

Bicol’s poverty rate is among the highest in the country — but the human cost can’t be measured in numbers alone.

Representative image - children in rural Philippines

Bottom line

Children in Bicol don’t have the same support as those in Metro Manila.

What's happening

Most well-funded NGOs for street and homeless children are based in Manila — where need is most visible. But in regional provinces like Bicol, poverty runs deeper and support is scarce.

By the numbers

25–30% of families in Bicol live below the poverty line (vs. national average 18–20%)
29 of every 100 families in Sorsogon can't meet basic food + non-food needs)
A Sorsogon City study surveyed 153 street children, ages ranging from 5–15

Few Places to Turn

Many are abandoned or forced into hazardous work (farming, fishing, mining)
Most shelters are small, church-run, and under-resourced
Families can’t easily access Manila-based programs
Adolescents (12–17) face high risk of dropping out, trafficking or early pregnancy

The Gap We Can Fill

A new orphanage in Bicol can:

Provide shelter and daily care so no child has to sleep on the streets.
Ensure access to education, opening doors to opportunity.
Offer skills training to prepare teens for a brighter future.
Partner with DSWD, LGUs, and schools to strengthen families and prevent separation.