In a significant move to enhance children’s welfare, Educo Philippines announced the launch of two new projects during a press conference in Legazpi City on February 20, 2025. The organization, led by country director Marlon Villanueva, introduced Project RECEIVE and Project UPFRONT, aimed at promoting children’s rights and well-being in the Bicol Region.
Project RECEIVE, or Resilient Education in Emergencies for Children’s Empowerment and Vital Education, targets 60 schools and 30 communities, aiming to impact over 10,800 participants. Meanwhile, Project UPFRONT will explore perceptions and beliefs about Filipino child well-being, engaging with 30 public elementary schools across Manito in Albay, and Castilla and Donsol in Sorsogon. This initiative will support 1,700 students from Grades 1 to 3 and train 100 teachers.
John Vincent Dumadangon, a specialist from Educo’s Child and Youth Empowerment Agency, emphasized the importance of these projects in empowering children and creating supportive environments. He highlighted that both projects will address educational rights and enhance teacher capabilities to sustain children’s education.
Additionally, Educo plans to release a Child Rights toolkit focused on empowerment through information, education, and communication. Over the past two decades, Educo has supported 40,276 children across 340 schools and 232 communities in Albay, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon, demonstrating a strong commitment to children’s rights and development.