World Vision Philippines extends support for Disaster Resilience Month

World Vision Philippines, a global organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, their families, and their communities, reaffirms its commitment to environmental protection and disaster resilience during Disaster Resilience Month.

As one of the largest non-profit organizations in the Philippines with over 65 years of experience, World Vision continues its mission to help vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience the fullness of life. Through various initiatives and partnerships, the organization aims to create positive impacts on the environment and empower communities to build resilience against disasters.

One of World Vision’s key efforts involves advocating for the protection of the planet and instilling environmental consciousness in young leaders.

Leon, an eleven-year-old boy from a village in Lanao del Norte, is a shining example of this advocacy. As a newly elected child leader, Leon actively promotes the importance of taking care of Mother Nature and protecting the Earth from global warming and pollution. “My advocacy is protecting Mother Nature because I heard that animals and plants are going to die because of global warming and pollution,” he shares. “I want to protect my home. And we can help protect Mother Nature by simply disposing of waste properly,” says Leon.

World Vision also supports tree-planting initiatives to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation. In collaboration with Kidapawan City, the organization and its partners planted 300 lauan seeds in the Mt. Apo Protected Area, contributing to the city’s grand mission of planting 2.5 million trees in 2023 under the Canopy 25 project. This initiative aims to reduce the impact of climate change and foster a culture of environmental stewardship that is passed on to future generations.

Under the initiative, endemic trees, perennial crops (such as coffee), and bamboo are planted in forests, watersheds, riparian zones, government properties, and idle lots. “Tree planting should not be an activity, but a culture that is passed on to generations,” shared Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office’s Psalmer Bernalte.

Recognizing the significant impact of climate change on agriculture, World Vision also conducted a Climate Change Summit in Mindanao, where over 400 participants from various sectors discussed the effects of climate change on farming and the need for efficient interventions. With Mindanao being one of the country’s largest agriculture contributors, World Vision emphasizes the importance of addressing carbon footprints and implementing sustainable agricultural practices to safeguard the livelihood of farmers and food security.

In line with its commitment to environmental protection, World Vision has additionally commenced the construction of a materials recovery facility (MRF) in Batangas as part of Coca-Cola’s Plastic to Profit Project. This collaborative effort with the local government aims to minimize plastic waste in the community, organize barangay solid waste management committees, and establish plastic waste collection centers. The MRF establishment aligns with Republic Act No. 9003, promoting ecological solid waste management for a cleaner environment.

“We hope that the rise of this MRF will be the catalyst for Batangas residents to be more educated on caring for the environment and to be mindful of their plastic waste,” stated Roberto Dazo, World Vision Operations Manager for Luzon.

As Disaster Resilience Month continues, World Vision Philippines remains steadfast in its dedication to creating positive change in the lives of vulnerable children and building resilient communities. Through ongoing efforts and partnerships, the organization continues to inspire and empower individuals to be agents of change in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Do you want to be part of the change that makes a real and direct impact on future generations? With just Php 25 a day or Php 750 a month, you can help pave a better life. To learn more about World Vision’s other noteworthy initiatives, visit https://test-www.worldvision.org.ph.