Passion and compassion

“I don’t like to see parents who maltreat their children neither do I want to see children being exploited in social media, ” says  Laot, 42, a father to seven children.

Laot is an active member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) or village peacekeepers in her place. Before joining BPAT, he was a carpenter earning Php1,500.00 ($27) a month.

He recently attended World Vision’s training on child protection, which deepens his understanding and knowledge of children’s rights.

“I’ve known World Vision. After the Marawi Siege, World Vision helped us recover and comfort us during our dark times,” he says.

Laot is  also a recipient of World Vision’s cash assistance under the Fragile Context Programming Approach Project, which aims to advocate child wellbeing in Marawi and Cotabato Cities.

“I put up a mobile phone loading business from the cash I received. And I’m earning Php600 to Php700 ($11-$13) a month aside from the salary I get from being a BPAT member,”Laot says.

In the Philippines, an individual may use prepaid phones that can be loaded with a certain amount for calls and social media usage.

Laot’s  income from his mobile phone loading business helps him buy the basic needs for his family. “I can also work and at the same time look after my children.”

He continues, “I would like to thank World Vision for your untiring support to us here in Marawi. I hope that Allah will guide and protect all of you for your everyday undertakings and may you be in places that need more of your help and guidance.

Together we can protect vulnerable children

Our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith. Together we can protect children today, and empower them for tomorrow.