Lipa

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Philippines).

The city of Lipa is situated in the province of Batangas, about 80 km south of the capital Manila. Lipa is an important commercial town in the province. Traditionally people here lived off agriculture and fishing, but more recently the city has become home to many businesses and industries. With around 400,000 inhabitants, the city is growing fast—at an estimated 2.5% a year. As more land is used for the city's industrial and residential expansion, less land is available for farming.

Since 1967, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Lipa.

2.8M
Children are out of school

Education

In order to escape grinding poverty in rural areas, many people move to Lipa in search of a better life. However, the city's economic development has not reached everyone. Investment in education has been low and so access to education is a further concern for families with children. Around 2.8 million children don’t go to school, and only 78% complete basic education. Although schooling is free of charge, many parents cannot afford the extra costs of sending their children to school, and they can only do so with the help of scholarships.

60%
Of the population lives in coastal areas

Natural disasters

The people of the Philippines are also one of the most vulnerable to climate change in the world, due to 60% of the population living in coastal areas. Coastal cities are therefore at increased risk from rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and storm surges. Tropical storms and typhoons, floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and droughts are common. Between 2000 and 2017, the Philippines experienced 273 natural disasters linked to climate change. When a natural disaster happens, many parents and children are displaced and have to start a new life elsewhere.

Your support makes a difference for children in Lipa

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
140
Families
Can stay together
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
40
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Learning for colleage. We try to make sure that children can go to school and college or attend further training for as long as possible (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Philippines).

How your support helps in Lipa

Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.