The Philippines has massive poverty and inequity. Over 25 Million People live on less than $8 USD a day per household, and many of whom are dependent on the informal economy just so they can survive. As the Philippines passes 260 days of community lock-down restrictions, the impacts have been profound and multi-dimensional. In addition to the health emergency, the restrictions have meant millions of poor people cannot work and millions of children are out of all learning.

TEL International and its partners are delivering emergency food packs to those who are going hungry. One food pack costs $15 USD and keeps a family of 5 in food security for 10 days. In addition, our partners are focusing on keeping children safe, in particular, adolescent girls who face an increased risk during the lock-down. Hygiene packs and education leaflets are being distributed to keep our children safe and avoid the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 puts the already vulnerable at danger of not having enough food and thus expose themselves to the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. A secondary impact of COVID-19 is on children and adolescents who are at increased risk of abuse as well as losing their education. As families become more anxious over their ability to provide food and income, children are the first to suffer and risk having long-term psychosocial issues and increased pressure to drop-out of school.

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