Philippines
Action against child exploitation in the Philippines
Labour, trafficking, and online abuse
The Philippines, a nation comprising 7,641 islands, is home to 119.1 million people, of which 30% are individuals aged 0-14.
The socio-economic vulnerabilities of the country place children at major risk of sexual exploitation, forced labour and child trafficking. Online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) is also a pressing issue in the Philippines. According to a global study, around 2 million internet users aged 12-17 in the country suffered from online sexual exploitation in 2021.
To address these issues, Terre des Hommes Netherlands (TdH NL), through evidence-based programming and advocacy, empowers children, young people and communities to drive systemic changes.
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Sunshine Cristia Cupo
Programme Manager PhilippinesTerre des Hommes Netherlands in the Philippines empowers Filipino children, youth, and communities to prevent and stop child exploitation. Through evidence-based programming and advocacy, and by closely collaborating with national and local stakeholders, we drive positive systemic changes. We also advocate for gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and child protection in emergencies (CPiE) through our programmes and policy lobbying initiatives.
Children in the Philippines
Approximately 32 million Filipino children live below the poverty line. Children in poverty are often out of school and at risk of child labour, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, child marriage and displacement. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), nearly 11 million children and youth in the country do not attend formal school.
Around 1.48 million children are engaged in child labour with around 56% of them working in hazardous environments. Children in the mining, construction, forestry, and manufacturing sectors were employed for long hours, received very little compensation, and were exposed to hazardous conditions. This also includes hazardous labour in post-disaster situations.
Furthermore, the country is considered as a global hotspot for online child sexual exploitation. At least 2 million children in the Philippines had experienced online sexual exploitation and abuse. LGBTQIA+ children in particular, face heightened risks online, and suffer from various forms of violence and discrimination.
Government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Justice (DOJ) and Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) lead the implementation of programmes, in collaboration with civil society organisations, private sector, and other stakeholders, to protect children online and offline.
Our work in The Philippines
Terre des Hommes Netherlands works in the National Capital Region and the Visayas (Central, Western, and Eastern) to address child sexual exploitation, child labour, and trafficking.
We strengthen child protection systems, advocate for policy reforms, and support the implementation of comprehensive child protection laws.
We work closely with children and youth, building their capacity to advocate for their rights, while engaging schools and communities to create safe spaces for children.
To combat online exploitation, we partner with private companies and organisations to promote safer digital environments. We also provide social protection support and skills training for children at risk, survivors, and their families.
Our Approach
In 2023, we facilitated the adoption and implementation of six (6) legislations to respond to OCSE and other related issues. Moreover, we had successful collaborations with local councils to respond to child labour.
Lobby, Advocacy and Networking
Through our active participation in relevant civil society networks and implementation of lobbying initiatives, we advocate for the passage of child protection laws, enactment of policy changes, and strengthening of the national and local child protection systems.
Programme and Policy Enhancement
We provide technical support to local governments and other stakeholders to improve existing policies, and develop comprehensive child protection laws and programmes.
Children and youth empowerment
We organise and train children and youth groups to enhance their knowledge and skills. We create platforms and support their participation in national and local bodies to empower them to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights.
Awareness raising
We co-develop and implement with children and youth campaigns and awareness raising activities using social media, theatre, short films and, school and community-based sessions.
Private Sector Engagement
We actively engage with the private sector to stop online child sexual exploitation through collaborative efforts to promote online safety.
Capacity Building
We enhance the capacities of relevant national and local government offices, law enforcement agencies, school personnel, community members, private sectors and other service providers to effectively protect children from abuse and exploitation.
Promotion of Social Protection
We support victims, children at-risk and their families by addressing their specific needs. Through our Social Protection Package (SPP), we provide them with educational, medical, legal and/or livelihood support. We also organise skills trainings to enhance the entrepreneurial capabilities of young people and prepare them for employment opportunities.
Our Projects in the Philippines
Our partners
Funding partners
European Union
The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic union of 27 European countries. It aims to promote peace, free trade, and shared policies.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Netherlands
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BZ) is committed to a fair and sustainable world.
Nationale Postcode Loterij
The Nationale Postcode Loterij is the biggest charity lottery in the Netherlands. It was founded in 1989 by Novamedia, a marketing agency that sets up and runs charity lotteries.
Contact
Philippines Country Office
Terre des Hommes Netherlands, Philippine Country Office Units 601-602, FSS Bldg. II, 18 Sct. Tuason St. cor. Sct. Castor St., Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City, Philippines
Email: philippines@tdh.nl
Business Hours
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
