PhilippinesPhilippines

Helping moms & babies in the Philippines

You are changing the lives of moms and babies. Here’s how.

Mom's & BabiesMom's & Babies
Helping moms & babies in the Philippines
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The Need

Of the 5.2 million children who die around the world each year, 75 per cent die in the first year of life. Babies are at risk of death due to premature birth complications, complications during childbirth, infections, pneumonia and diarrhea. But this is preventable. With training and support, moms in poverty can be empowered to raise healthy and happy babies.

Our Response

Critical care
Your support helps secure access to pre- and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants and medical intervention when necessary.

Home-based care
Mothers are visited in their homes monthly by a Survival specialist, who offers education in prenatal care and early child-rearing as well as one-on-one biblical mentoring.

Group-based learning
At these church-based activities, moms learn skills to earn an income and gain vital knowledge including basic literacy, the importance of breastfeeding and how to prevent malnutrition and disease. These groups combat isolation through a supportive community of mothers who, together, learn about the God who loves them.

Philippines Stats

Average number of children in household 5
Average age of first-time mothers 17
Births attended by skilled health personnel 84
Stunted growth from malnutrition 29

Activities

Food and hygiene: Program staff distributed monthly food packs to caregivers. Families were so happy and thankful since they often cannot afford these items. Moms learned how to prepare healthy meals for their families. Moms also received hygiene kits including baby wipes, alcohol, cotton buds, shampoo, baby wash, deodorant, toothpaste, detergent bars, baby soap and baby powder. Parents felt a mix of relief, gratitude and hope since they know that practising good hygiene helps prevent illness.

Group meetings: Caregivers met each month—either in person or virtually—to learn lessons from the Survival curriculum, such as the importance of breastfeeding and how to care for their newborns. They also took a First Aid seminar to understand what to do in case of an emergency. Staff weighed and measured babies regularly to monitor their growth and babies enjoyed socializing and playing together at the centre.

Celebrations: Families loved celebrating special occasions together like Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day. They were so grateful to be physically connected with each other, which strengthened bonds and brought hope and comfort at how God has sustained them. The events were festive, with food, goodwill, laughter and games. We also celebrated each baby’s first birthday with cake and presents. Parents were so thankful for the love poured into their families by the Survival program.

Home visits: Implementers visited each mom and baby at home once a month to offer personalized care and monitor their progress. They also visited moms after they had given birth and ensured each birth was registered. Implementers built relationships with the family members, shared God’s Word and prayed with them. Staff encouraged caregivers to create happy, peaceful homes and be good parents.

Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.

Entrepreneurship: Caregivers learned skills that they can use to generate income for their families. Some moms learned how to grow banana lakatan fruit to sell in the market while others learned how to create no-bake graham cracker balls to sell. Moms felt empowered with their new skills.

Project Stats

This intervention addressed:

Full-term births 17
Illness: Respiratory-Related Illness 3
Pregnancies 6
Illness subc: Cardiovascular 1
Illness subc: Respiratory Tract Infection 5
Breastfeeding Moms 10
Malnourished Babies - Severely Underweight 42
Attended births 16
Malnourished Babies - Moderately Underweight 51
Normal birth weights 14
Low birth weights 3
Food and hygiene: Program staff distributed monthly food packs to caregivers. Families were so happy and thankful since they often cannot afford these items. Moms learned how to prepare healthy meals for their families. Moms also received hygiene kits including baby wipes, alcohol, cotton buds, shampoo, baby wash, deodorant, toothpaste, detergent bars, baby soap and baby powder. Parents felt a mix of relief, gratitude and hope since they know that practising good hygiene helps prevent illness.
Food and hygiene: Program staff distributed monthly food packs to caregivers. Families were so happy and thankful since they often cannot afford these items. Moms learned how to prepare healthy meals for their families. Moms also received hygiene kits including baby wipes, alcohol, cotton buds, shampoo, baby wash, deodorant, toothpaste, detergent bars, baby soap and baby powder. Parents felt a mix of relief, gratitude and hope since they know that practising good hygiene helps prevent illness.
Food and hygiene: Program staff distributed monthly food packs to caregivers. Families were so happy and thankful since they often cannot afford these items. Moms learned how to prepare healthy meals for their families. Moms also received hygiene kits including baby wipes, alcohol, cotton buds, shampoo, baby wash, deodorant, toothpaste, detergent bars, baby soap and baby powder. Parents felt a mix of relief, gratitude and hope since they know that practising good hygiene helps prevent illness.
Food and hygiene: Program staff distributed monthly food packs to caregivers. Families were so happy and thankful since they often cannot afford these items. Moms learned how to prepare healthy meals for their families. Moms also received hygiene kits including baby wipes, alcohol, cotton buds, shampoo, baby wash, deodorant, toothpaste, detergent bars, baby soap and baby powder. Parents felt a mix of relief, gratitude and hope since they know that practising good hygiene helps prevent illness.
Food and hygiene: Program staff distributed monthly food packs to caregivers. Families were so happy and thankful since they often cannot afford these items. Moms learned how to prepare healthy meals for their families. Moms also received hygiene kits including baby wipes, alcohol, cotton buds, shampoo, baby wash, deodorant, toothpaste, detergent bars, baby soap and baby powder. Parents felt a mix of relief, gratitude and hope since they know that practising good hygiene helps prevent illness.
Food and hygiene: Program staff distributed monthly food packs to caregivers. Families were so happy and thankful since they often cannot afford these items. Moms learned how to prepare healthy meals for their families. Moms also received hygiene kits including baby wipes, alcohol, cotton buds, shampoo, baby wash, deodorant, toothpaste, detergent bars, baby soap and baby powder. Parents felt a mix of relief, gratitude and hope since they know that practising good hygiene helps prevent illness.
Group meetings: Caregivers met each month—either in person or virtually—to learn lessons from the Survival curriculum, such as the importance of breastfeeding and how to care for their newborns. They also took a First Aid seminar to understand what to do in case of an emergency. Staff weighed and measured babies regularly to monitor their growth and babies enjoyed socializing and playing together at the centre.
Group meetings: Caregivers met each month—either in person or virtually—to learn lessons from the Survival curriculum, such as the importance of breastfeeding and how to care for their newborns. They also took a First Aid seminar to understand what to do in case of an emergency. Staff weighed and measured babies regularly to monitor their growth and babies enjoyed socializing and playing together at the centre.
Group meetings: Caregivers met each month—either in person or virtually—to learn lessons from the Survival curriculum, such as the importance of breastfeeding and how to care for their newborns. They also took a First Aid seminar to understand what to do in case of an emergency. Staff weighed and measured babies regularly to monitor their growth and babies enjoyed socializing and playing together at the centre.
Group meetings: Caregivers met each month—either in person or virtually—to learn lessons from the Survival curriculum, such as the importance of breastfeeding and how to care for their newborns. They also took a First Aid seminar to understand what to do in case of an emergency. Staff weighed and measured babies regularly to monitor their growth and babies enjoyed socializing and playing together at the centre.
Group meetings: Caregivers met each month—either in person or virtually—to learn lessons from the Survival curriculum, such as the importance of breastfeeding and how to care for their newborns. They also took a First Aid seminar to understand what to do in case of an emergency. Staff weighed and measured babies regularly to monitor their growth and babies enjoyed socializing and playing together at the centre.
Group meetings: Caregivers met each month—either in person or virtually—to learn lessons from the Survival curriculum, such as the importance of breastfeeding and how to care for their newborns. They also took a First Aid seminar to understand what to do in case of an emergency. Staff weighed and measured babies regularly to monitor their growth and babies enjoyed socializing and playing together at the centre.
Group meetings: Caregivers met each month—either in person or virtually—to learn lessons from the Survival curriculum, such as the importance of breastfeeding and how to care for their newborns. They also took a First Aid seminar to understand what to do in case of an emergency. Staff weighed and measured babies regularly to monitor their growth and babies enjoyed socializing and playing together at the centre.
Group meetings: Caregivers met each month—either in person or virtually—to learn lessons from the Survival curriculum, such as the importance of breastfeeding and how to care for their newborns. They also took a First Aid seminar to understand what to do in case of an emergency. Staff weighed and measured babies regularly to monitor their growth and babies enjoyed socializing and playing together at the centre.
Celebrations: Families loved celebrating special occasions together like Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day. They were so grateful to be physically connected with each other, which strengthened bonds and brought hope and comfort at how God has sustained them. The events were festive, with food, goodwill, laughter and games. We also celebrated each baby’s first birthday with cake and presents. Parents were so thankful for the love poured into their families by the Survival program.
Celebrations: Families loved celebrating special occasions together like Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day. They were so grateful to be physically connected with each other, which strengthened bonds and brought hope and comfort at how God has sustained them. The events were festive, with food, goodwill, laughter and games. We also celebrated each baby’s first birthday with cake and presents. Parents were so thankful for the love poured into their families by the Survival program.
Celebrations: Families loved celebrating special occasions together like Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day. They were so grateful to be physically connected with each other, which strengthened bonds and brought hope and comfort at how God has sustained them. The events were festive, with food, goodwill, laughter and games. We also celebrated each baby’s first birthday with cake and presents. Parents were so thankful for the love poured into their families by the Survival program.
Celebrations: Families loved celebrating special occasions together like Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day. They were so grateful to be physically connected with each other, which strengthened bonds and brought hope and comfort at how God has sustained them. The events were festive, with food, goodwill, laughter and games. We also celebrated each baby’s first birthday with cake and presents. Parents were so thankful for the love poured into their families by the Survival program.
Celebrations: Families loved celebrating special occasions together like Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day. They were so grateful to be physically connected with each other, which strengthened bonds and brought hope and comfort at how God has sustained them. The events were festive, with food, goodwill, laughter and games. We also celebrated each baby’s first birthday with cake and presents. Parents were so thankful for the love poured into their families by the Survival program.
Celebrations: Families loved celebrating special occasions together like Thanksgiving and Mother’s Day. They were so grateful to be physically connected with each other, which strengthened bonds and brought hope and comfort at how God has sustained them. The events were festive, with food, goodwill, laughter and games. We also celebrated each baby’s first birthday with cake and presents. Parents were so thankful for the love poured into their families by the Survival program.
Home visits: Implementers visited each mom and baby at home once a month to offer personalized care and monitor their progress. They also visited moms after they had given birth and ensured each birth was registered. Implementers built relationships with the family members, shared God’s Word and prayed with them. Staff encouraged caregivers to create happy, peaceful homes and be good parents.
Home visits: Implementers visited each mom and baby at home once a month to offer personalized care and monitor their progress. They also visited moms after they had given birth and ensured each birth was registered. Implementers built relationships with the family members, shared God’s Word and prayed with them. Staff encouraged caregivers to create happy, peaceful homes and be good parents.
Home visits: Implementers visited each mom and baby at home once a month to offer personalized care and monitor their progress. They also visited moms after they had given birth and ensured each birth was registered. Implementers built relationships with the family members, shared God’s Word and prayed with them. Staff encouraged caregivers to create happy, peaceful homes and be good parents.
Home visits: Implementers visited each mom and baby at home once a month to offer personalized care and monitor their progress. They also visited moms after they had given birth and ensured each birth was registered. Implementers built relationships with the family members, shared God’s Word and prayed with them. Staff encouraged caregivers to create happy, peaceful homes and be good parents.
Home visits: Implementers visited each mom and baby at home once a month to offer personalized care and monitor their progress. They also visited moms after they had given birth and ensured each birth was registered. Implementers built relationships with the family members, shared God’s Word and prayed with them. Staff encouraged caregivers to create happy, peaceful homes and be good parents.
Home visits: Implementers visited each mom and baby at home once a month to offer personalized care and monitor their progress. They also visited moms after they had given birth and ensured each birth was registered. Implementers built relationships with the family members, shared God’s Word and prayed with them. Staff encouraged caregivers to create happy, peaceful homes and be good parents.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Spiritual nurture: Pastors shared the gospel and many moms made a confession of faith and even decided to be baptized. Moms participated in discipleship classes to grow their faith. In group meetings, moms read Bible passages, shared their insights and engaged in prayer and reflection. Each mom was given a Bible and was encouraged to seek God and apply the Word in every part of her life. Many couples legalized their unions in marriage, and several parents dedicated their children to God through special ceremonies.
Entrepreneurship: Caregivers learned skills that they can use to generate income for their families. Some moms learned how to grow banana lakatan fruit to sell in the market while others learned how to create no-bake graham cracker balls to sell. Moms felt empowered with their new skills.
Entrepreneurship: Caregivers learned skills that they can use to generate income for their families. Some moms learned how to grow banana lakatan fruit to sell in the market while others learned how to create no-bake graham cracker balls to sell. Moms felt empowered with their new skills.
Erlinda

ReportA message from a caregiver

I am Erlinda, mother of Survival participant Crisha Mae. First of all, I would like to thank God for all the goodness and favour He has bestowed to my child and to our family. I am also grateful to Compassion Philippines; Compassion International; and to our church, Gusa Pentecostal Church of God Asian Missions Inc., all of whom God has used to extend help and support to impoverished children and families like us here in our community.

The Survival program has been a big help to both me and my baby, not only in the physical domain but in all aspects in our lives. My child Chrisha Mae received medical assistance, treatment and intervention during checkups and health screenings. Thanks be to God, she is physically healthy now!

Besides that, our family has received food pack supplements every month. This means a lot for us because a family of seven household members is not easy to feed daily, especially when the breadwinner in the family receives less than minimum wage. Praise the Lord for the food we eat every day!

One of the great things I thank the Lord for is the spiritual blessings. Since my baby was registered in the Survival program, I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and personal Saviour. The church leaders continually teach us, mentor us and intentionally disciple us, me with my husband, through the powerful Word of God.

I have noticed many changes in my life since we have heard and learned about the Bible. Now I can control my emotions and have peace in my mind regardless of difficulties and challenges in our family. We joined Sunday worship regularly since I attended the “Encounter God” retreat, where I really encountered the presence of God. I know how to praise and worship the Lord wholeheartedly.

Truly, this program has made a huge impact in our family, and through family devotion our passion for God increases and our prayer life gradually develops. I have also learned how to forgive people who caused me hurt and to be emotionally wounded from the past. I praise God I experienced inner healing. I believe in God’s Word found in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away and behold all things are become new.”

I always pray that God will continue to bless all the staff and workers, especially the directors of Compassion Philippines, Compassion International and the church where I belong. To God be the glory!

Yours truly,

Erlinda
Pastor Emeliano, PH0609

ReportA message from a pastor

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour.

I am Pastor Emeliano of Jimenez Assembly of God Church. I have been pastoring here for almost 10 years. I am so grateful for this ministry so that we can minister to mothers and children from when they are in the womb. I have seen and observed how this ministry works and how it grows.

It has been eight years since we launched the Survival program. From that moment, we have been ministering to many families through this program. Caregivers have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour, and they also accepted water baptism. Many families are now active in the church.

Because of this ministry, our church has benefited because we can share the gospel with each of the families. We also solemnized in marriage couples who were not legally married. It also adds to the number of children in the centre; every time a baby graduates from the Survival program, they transition to the sponsorship program.

We are forever grateful to Compassion for giving us this kind of ministry in our church. We love to teach the parents first, and little by little the young children. Even from a young age, they are taught and trained in the Word of God. And as they grow, each little one is founded by the Word of God. In their young age, they are able to know God loves them, and their parents also build their faith in God.

Thank you so much for the support you gave to our centre and especially to the Survival program. Please continue praying that many more souls will decide to follow Christ and serve God faithfully. May God bless you and keep you and may His face shine on you and be faithful to you.

In Christ’s service,

Pastor Emeliano, PH0609
Mezel

ReportA message from those your gift helped

Greetings in the precious name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour! I’m Mezel, the mother of Kaira. Since I am part of this program, I am so very thankful to God for the privilege He gave to me.

There’s been a great impact in life since I entered this program. Since I started this program, I learned more about the love of God. They taught us the Word of God, and praise God I am now regular in going to church together with my family. I’m also thankful that through the church and the program, we were tied in the holy matrimony of marriage. We had a mass wedding, and we are one of the couples who were solemnized by the pastor. The program has been a great help for me spiritually. They taught us to trust God. Every time I hear the message every Sunday, it really encourages me to serve God no matter what happens. I also found family in this program and in the church on which I can rely—I can lean on. I feel like I have security and family which can support me whatever problems I have. They helped me when my child got sick and most of all helped me spiritually.

The milestones of my child during this time are that she can play with other children in the centre. She is growing healthy and physically well. The program supports my child physically, and I believe that as my child grows, the church and the centre will help her to be a matured Christian.

My favourite activity in the program is doing our centre activities at the centre. During the centre activity they teach us to prepare nutritious foods for our children, and we do Bible sharing. During our Bible sharing, we learned from one another’s life testimonies, and we learned more about the Word of God. We met new friends during our centre activities. We shared problems and prayed for each other. That’s why I’m so blessed that I am part of this centre and program.

Thank you for your love and generosity. God bless you all the more!

Sincerely yours,

Mezel