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Background
Located in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is a nation of over 7000 islands and home to 80 million people. Many urban residents work in the manufacturing industry, and there are concerns regarding their working conditions and legal rights. Health care is extremely basic in rural areas and many families cannot afford to travel to receive medical treatment. Almost half the labour force is involved in agriculture, although most farmers do not own their own land. Wealthy land-owning families who often hold influential governmental positions resist effective land reform. Although the majority of Filipinos still live in rural areas, urban centres are growing rapidly. There is an acute shortage of adequate housing, with many people living in slums, which have no sanitation facilities or access to safe drinking water.
World Vision Australia is working with communities in the Philippines. Below are examples of funded projects:
Area Development Programs (ADPs)
Over 19,000 children are sponsored in the Philippines. Area Development Programs provide these children and their communities with access to health care, sanitation facilities and education. Agriculture training and equipment are provided to farmers to help them increase their crop production and support their families. Vocational skill training is also provided to community members, enhancing their chance of finding employment.
Coastal Resource Management
Seven different municipalities are working together with World Vision to co-ordinate the management of shared resources. This involves establishing rules and guidelines, policing the area and reconstructing fragmented fishing industries for local fishermen.
Micro-finance Development Project
The Micro-finance Development Project provides support to rural women from landless families. Through the provision of training, means testing and group meetings, many women have established their own savings fund and have been able to start their own small businesses.
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