World Vision Philippines Brings Donors Closer to the Realities of Child Malnutrition and Water Insecurity in Bulan, Sorsogon

BULAN, SORSOGON — From 12 to 14 June 2026, World Vision Philippines welcomed four donors to Bulan, Sorsogon for a vision trip focused on Positive Deviance/Hearth (PDH) and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)—offering them a deeper understanding of the realities faced by vulnerable communities and the urgent need for sustained support in addressing child malnutrition and limited access to safe water.

Designed to immerse donors in the day-to-day realities of the communities, the trip provided firsthand exposure to the challenges affecting children and families in the area. Through learning sessions with the Provincial Health Office and Municipal Health Office, donors gained a clearer picture of the local context, particularly the prevalence of malnutrition and the persistent lack of adequate water systems in many communities. They also learned more about World Vision’s ongoing interventions in Bulan and how partnerships can help strengthen community health, nutrition, and resilience.

As part of the immersion, the donors visited three households to witness firsthand the living conditions of families and the daily realities that shape children’s health and development. These visits offered a closer look at the barriers many families face—from limited resources to challenges in accessing nutritious food and safe water—while also highlighting the determination of parents and caregivers to care for their children despite difficult circumstances.

Reflecting on the experience, World Vision donor Ms. Angeli shared:

“We often talk about the help we can provide, but it’s different when you actually visit the community because you can see its real needs firsthand.”

The donors also participated in Positive Deviance/Hearth sessions, where they joined caregivers and community volunteers in preparing nutritious meals for undernourished children and took part in the weighing of children enrolled in the program. The experience provided a tangible view of how community-based nutrition interventions work and how simple, practical actions—grounded in local practices and available resources—can help improve children’s nutritional status over time.

Among the parents who have benefited from the Positive Deviance/Hearth (PD/H) program, Glenda shared the changes she noticed after he daughter graduated from the program:

“Pagkatapos ng PD/H program, si Reign, napansin ko sa kanya na mahilig na siya kumain ng gulay, isda, at prutas. And hindi na siya naging sakitin.”

— Glenda, Parent of a PD/H graduate

More than a field visit, the vision trip was an invitation for donors to see beyond reports and statistics and encounter the realities of the communities World Vision serves. By bringing donors closer to the challenges of child malnutrition and water insecurity, the trip aimed to deepen understanding, strengthen empathy, and inspire continued partnership in creating lasting change for children and families in Bulan, Sorsogon.

The experience also left a lasting impression on World Vision donor Ms. Teri, who reflected on the significance of making a difference, one child at a time:

“Just like in the story of the child throwing starfish back into the ocean, I know there are so many children in need, and I know I can’t help them all. But if I can help even just one, then I know I’ve made a difference in that child’s life.”

Through initiatives such as this, World Vision Philippines continues to connect partners and donors to the heart of its work—ensuring that support for programs such as PDH and WASH is rooted not only in generosity, but also in a deeper understanding of the lives, needs, and hopes of the communities being served.