NEWS EVENTS
(2024 - 2025)
Leadership Development & Capacity Building
This component was designed to respond to the SNSP’s Phase 2 – more specifically, the capacity building needs of CiSS NGOs. It supports organizations in strengthening their role as service providers to CiSS through enhancing their staff members’ leadership skills. It ushers in new online learning platforms to increase learner engagement.
SNSP successfully implemented several events under this component.
Building a Stronger Movement for Children’s Rights: SNSP Phase 3 Launch
(December 12, 2024)
To build momentum for a stronger, more united movement for children’s rights, LifeBank Foundation held a successful virtual kick-off meeting on December 12, 2024, officially launching Phase 3 of the Street Children NGO Support Project (SNSP). The event brought together 18 key stakeholders from partner organizations across Visayas and Mindanao, setting the stage for a renewed and shared commitment to supporting Children in Street Situations (CiSS).
Preparations for the meeting began in November and continued into early December, with the team working tirelessly to mobilize and follow up with targeted participants to ensure strong representation.
During the session, partners were introduced to the main goals of Phase 3, which include:
-
Building a national network of organizations;
-
Strengthening the capacity of local partners;
-
Forming a youth-led advocacy group; and
-
Developing new tools for engagement, such as the Organizational Self-Assessment Tool (OSAT).
-
The meeting also highlighted the progress made in the first two phases of the project, including the comprehensive profiling of CiSS, the release of a Compendium of Good Practices from CiSS-focused NGOs, and the launch of online platforms to improve collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Despite the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project remained resilient—rolling out remote capacity-building tools and producing an animated awareness series to keep advocacy efforts going strong.
With Phase 3 now underway, SNSP is focused on building on past successes and continuing to foster collective action, resource sharing, and advocacy to create a safer, more inclusive environment for vulnerable children across the Philippines.
Building Stronger Systems: SNSP Moves Forward with Organizational Self-Assessment Tool (OSAT) Development
(January 8-11, 2025)
The Street Children NGO Support Project (SNSP) kicked off 2025 with major strides in advancing the Organizational Self-Assessment Tool (OSAT)—a tool designed to help NGOs and government agencies improve their capacity to support Children in Street Situations (CiSS).
From January 8 to 11, 2025, SNSP hosted a four-day Participatory User Review Workshop in Cebu City. It brought together 20 civil society organizations from Visayas and Mindanao and four government agencies. It centered on how OSAT can enhance child protection efforts and address challenges in CiSS support initiatives. Participants assessed current programs, identified gaps, and explored ways to strengthen collaboration. Project planning, staffing, policy alignment, and coordination were particularly discussed. The workshop concluded with strong commitments to use OSAT in ongoing CiSS efforts, backed by a planned Memorandum of Agreement.
Laying the Groundwork
OSAT for SNSP was conceptualized in July 2023 to support the Council for the Welfare of Children Sub Committee for the Protection and Welfare of CiSS (CWC SCPWCiSS) in assessing CiSS-focused NGOs and government agencies. Developed by SNSP with inputs from consultants and CiSS-serving organizations, OSAT provides a structured way for institutions to reflect on their systems, identify strengths and gaps, and enhance their programs for children. It is a strategic planning tool for project design, implementation, and evaluation.
OSAT was first introduced to national partners during the CWC Sub-Committee for the Protection and Welfare of CiSS (SCPWCiSS) meeting on November 27, 2024, where support was sought for engaging NCR-based non-government organizations (NGOs) in the participatory review.
This was followed by a joint planning session in Cebu on December 27, where local partners pledged their support for the January workshop.
What’s in the Toolkit?
The OSAT includes 103 questions across five key sections:
-
Organizational Management Capacity and Readiness Self-Assessment Tool
-
Program/Project Design
-
Project Proposal Development
-
Self Assessment Tool for Winning Approval of Proposal
-
Project Implementation & Monitoring
Online Trainings
Innovations in Child Protection and Advocacy: Empowering Change for Children in Street Situations
(March 4, 2025)
LifeBank Foundation’s Street Children NGO Support Project (SNSP) successfully hosted the webinar “Innovations in Child Protection and Advocacy: Insights for Children in Street Situations (CiSS)” on March 4, 2025, via Zoom. The event gathered 42 participants from NGOs, local government units, and child rights organizations working toward the shared goal of improving interventions for CiSS.
Legal and Policy Foundation
The keynote speaker, Ms. Florinor Algo who is a Child Protection Consultant and Assistant Professor at UP Diliman, provided a comprehensive overview of legal frameworks and programmatic approaches relevant to CISS.
Among the key topics put forward during the discussions were:
-
RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act): Advocating for restorative justice and emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for children in conflict with the law.
-
Executive Order 52 & PAG-ABOT Program: Institutionalizing government-led outreach and combining shelter, financial, and psychosocial support for CISS.
Participants also explored the Child Protection System (CPS) framework, identifying stakeholders and accountability gaps in ensuring child safety. Discussions stressed the need to bolster inter-agency collaboration and develop targeted policies for CiSS.
Strategic and Technological Innovations
A highlight of the webinar was the introduction of the Philippine National Multi-Sectoral Strategic Plan on CiSS, which is the first of its kind in Asia. This landmark document identifies stakeholder roles and sets national priorities for protecting CiSS.
Ms. Algo also shared examples of digital and community-based innovations, including the following:
-
Mobile learning hubs and digital identity systems
-
Modified cash transfer programs
-
Online education platforms
-
Social media for child rights advocacy
These tools are helping to make education and services more accessible to children who often live outside of formal systems.
Holistic and Family-Centered Approaches
The importance of family-based and community-driven care over institutional solutions was emphasized in the conversations. While residential care has its place, kinship care, foster care, and community shelters still provide more sustainable and supportive environments for CiSS.
Participants zeroed in on key principles for meaningful engagement which includes respectful communication, active listening, and voluntary participation. These practices are crucial in building trust and empowering children as active partners in their own development.
Looking Forward
The webinar saw active participation from organizations and various CSWD offices from different cities including Iloilo, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro. Beyond sharing their experiences and reinforcing the need for integrated, rights-based approaches, the representatives echoed a strong commitment to improving the lives of CiSS in their communities.
In closing, participants were encouraged to reflect on their current interventions and seek more responsive, inclusive, and child-centered strategies. Ms. Algo challenged them to critically assess programs and find more inclusive ways to connect with CiSS, stressing that change begins when we listen.
Stakeholders Push for Stronger Early Childhood Services for Street Children in National Webinar
(June 20, 2025)
The Street Children NGO Support Program (SNSP) of LifeBank Foundation hosted a national webinar titled “Strengthening Early Childhood Care (ECC) Services for Children in Street Situations (CiSS)” via Zoom. The event gathered representatives from government and NGOs across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to address challenges and share solutions in delivering Early Chilhood Care and Development (ECCD) services to CiSS.
Gaps in Access Highlighted
Speakers from JPIC-IDC and Open Heart Foundation shared experiences from their work in drop-in centers, mobile schools, ECCD programs, and family support initiatives. They emphasized that children under five are often left out of ECCD services due to limited access, unstable living conditions, and other family priorities.
Participants called for inclusive, context-specific ECCD models and highlighted the potential of mobile and street-based approaches to reach more children.
Holistic Interventions Emphasized
Discussions also highlighted the need for holistic support that integrates housing, feeding programs, and parental involvement, to improve preschool attendance and reduce dropouts.
The webinar also addressed the need for flexibility in ECCD accreditation standards, recognizing that many grassroots efforts do not fit within traditional frameworks but are still effective in meeting children's needs.
Call for Policy and Program Reforms
The event concluded with a call to strengthen policy support for ECCD services targeting children in street situations. Participants emphasized the need to study the lived experiences of street children to inform better program design and policy development. There was a shared commitment to continued collaboration, information exchange, and advocacy to ensure the inclusion of CiSS in national ECCD strategies.
Communication, Research, and Public Advocacy on CiSS
This component focuses on providing a platform for communicating and raising public awareness on who the Children in Street Situations (CiSS) are and their issues. The goal is to influence plans, programs, and policies impacting CiSS. CiSS non-government organizations (NGOs) work together in creating and implementing activities directed at strengthening public action on CiSS issues.
United for Children: SNSP and Partners Celebrate National Children’s Month with Advocacy and Engagement
(November and December 2024)
National Children’s Month 2024 brought together families, students, health workers, and child rights advocates to celebrate children’s voices and highlight the challenges they face. The Street Children NGO Support Project (SNSP) joined hands with LifeBank Foundation-funded initiatives to engage children in recognizing and celebrating the significance of National Children’s Month.
On November 29, SNSP and its partners took part in Pasundayag Children’s Month, organized by ABSNet Members and DSWD Region 6 at SM City Iloilo. The event showcased the LBF-produced CiSS video animation series, engaging audiences with a compelling message on children’s rights and protection.
Beneficiaries, including seven children, five parents, and four barangay health workers, participated in the festivities. The activity exposed families to the diverse talents of children across sectors and walks of life. It emphasized the importance of inclusive celebration and advocacy.
Continuing the celebration, an interactive workshop was held on December 5 at Maasin Comprehensive National High School. In partnership with SNSP, the workshop engaged high school students in learning about child stunting and the realities faced by CiSS. Communities and caregivers came together to champion behavior change for improved nutrition. Beyond that, this initiative served as a platform for the F1KD Project, drumming up support for improved strategies to reduce stunting and malnutrition.
The activities fostered community-driven dialogue and deeper awareness, while highlighting the power of collaboration in promoting children’s rights. They put a spotlight on the needs and rights of Children in Street Situations (CiSS) and tackled child stunting through meaningful, child-centered activities
SNSP Strengthens Child Protection Advocacy Through Round Table Discussion on RA 7610
(April 8, 2025)
The Street Children NGO Support Project (SNSP) of LifeBank Microfinance Foundation, Inc. convened a multi-stakeholder discussion to deepen the understanding of child protection laws and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
The round table discussion on April 8, 2025, attended by representatives from the Iloilo City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), centered on Republic Act (RA) 7610 or. the fundamentals of child protection.
In her welcome remarks, Ms. Mary Grace Centino, SWO IV and Assistant CSWDO for Overall Operations, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, followed by a message from Ms. Merlyn Gison, Assistant CSWD Officer.
Ms. Norma Chan-Pongan, Executive Director of SNSP, provided the context of the activity, recalling that as early as 2019, SNSP partnered with the Social Weather Stations (SWS) to develop a survey on children in street situations (CiSS) — a milestone that laid the groundwork for evidence-based child protection advocacy.
Deepening Understanding of Child Protection Laws
The resource speaker, Mr. Franz E. Hermocillas, Regional Secretariat of the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children in Western Visayas and Regional Coordinator of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) in Region VI and Negros Island Region, led the main discussion.
Mr. Hermocillas zeroed in on international and national frameworks such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Philippine Child Protection Laws.
He emphasized the four guiding principles of the UNCRC — non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the right to life, survival and development, and the right to be heard.
He also elaborated on the legal definitions of a child, types of child abuse, and the importance of reporting mechanisms. “Any person acting in good faith to report abuse is protected from civil or administrative liability,” he underscored, referring to Section 7 of the law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Field Realities and Shared Reflections
Mr. Hermocillas also provided a situationer on the prevalence of child protection issues in Iloilo City and Region VI, sharing his first encounter with SNSP and how collaborative data gathering has strengthened understanding of CiSS.
He encouraged participants to reflect on their own practices, stressing that discipline must be anchored in empathy and guidance.
On the topic of sexual abuse, he clarified that children below 16 years old cannot legally give consent to any sexual act — a change brought by RA 11648, aligning Philippine standards with international norms.
Key Outcomes
The discussion provided participants with valuable insights and practical takeaways:
-
Enhanced Legal Proficiency – Social workers gained a deeper grasp of RA 7610 and related laws, strengthening their ability to advocate for children’s rights.
-
Applied Learning from Field Cases – Participants exchanged real-life case experiences, learning practical approaches to handling child protection concerns.
-
Improved Intersectoral Coordination – The dialogue emphasized collaboration among LGUs, NGOs, and national agencies to ensure effective referral and case management systems.
-
Up-to-Date Policy Awareness – Attendees received policy updates and were encouraged to contribute to continuous policy improvement through documentation and advocacy.
The forum reaffirmed SNSP’s commitment to equipping child protection advocates with both legal understanding and compassion-based practice, ensuring that every child’s right to protection, care, and development remains at the heart of their work..
Cagayan de Oro Strengthens Child Protection Policies
On May 9, 2025, SNSP similary convened in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) City a discussion on challenges encountered in implementing RA 7610 in the city.
The dialogue brought together law enforcement officers, government representatives, social workers, child-focused NGOs, and barangay officials to review the implementation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The session aimed to identify critical gaps, improve enforcement mechanisms, and strengthen coordination among child protection service providers.
During the discussion, the CDO’s CSWDO presented 2024 data that shed light on the extent of child protection issues in Cagayan de Oro.
A total of 77 children required special protection services—34 cases of sexual abuse, 14 cases of physical abuse, 10 incidents of online sexual exploitation, and 6 trafficking cases, alongside reports of neglect, abandonment, and psychological abuse.
The data underscored both the persistence and evolving nature of child exploitation in the city, particularly in the digital space.
Participants acknowledged that protecting children requires a multi-sectoral, proactive approach that addresses both immediate needs and systemic vulnerabilities.
The discussion fostered a shared understanding among stakeholders of their roles under RA 7610, emphasizing the importance of prevention, timely reporting, and community-based intervention.
The event marked a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to advance the protection and welfare of children, particularly those in street situations.
By fostering collaboration between government, civil society, and local leaders, SNSP’s initiative in CDO highlighted a growing collective resolve—to move beyond reactive responses and build a more resilient, rights-based framework for protecting children in street situations and other vulnerable contexts.
SNSP Expands Advocacy for Street Children Through Video Guides, Youth Engagement, and IDCiSS Celebrations
(April 2025)
The Street Children NGO Support Program (SNSP) of LifeBank Foundation marked a strong start to 2025 with a series of advocacy initiatives that amplified the voices and rights of children in street situations (CiSS) across Iloilo City, Cebu, and Davao.
These efforts combined education, youth participation, and public awareness campaigns in line with the International Day for Children in Street Situations (IDCiSS).
Video Animation Rollout in Iloilo City
On April 26, 2025, SNSP officially rolled out the CiSS Video Animation Series in Iloilo City, attended by 47 CiSS scholars of the city government, their District Heads, and the SNSP team. The event featured the screening of the first two episodes: “Who Are the CiSS?” and “Caring for the CiSS.”
The animations served as engaging advocacy tools, offering a visual and relatable introduction to the struggles of children in street situations and the importance of responsive care. Post-viewing discussions sparked meaningful insights among children and district leaders, affirming the series’ relevance as a tool for both education and advocacy.
Strengthening Advocacy at the Local Level
Earlier in the year, on January 8, 2025, SNSP turned over its Video Discussion Guidebook to Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alcin Garcia, the Cebu City Commission for the Protection and Welfare of Children, and the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children.The guide was also presented at the Mayor’s Lounge, underscoring the city government’s commitment to advancing child protection initiatives.
Youth-Led Planning for IDCiSS
For the first time, SNSP directly engaged young people in preparing for the IDCiSS. With the support of Iloilo City CSWD, the Iloilo Federated Youth convened on March 15, 2025, to design activities that would make the celebration more meaningful for their peers.
Attended by 24 youth representatives from all seven districts of Iloilo, the planning meeting resulted in proposals such as a drawing contest, a “Street Children’s Got Talent” showcase, and interactive booths for younger children. To build leadership and planning skills, the youth were also tasked to draft and submit activity proposals for SNSP’s review.
International Day for Children in Street Situations
From April 12 to 26, 2025, SNSP and its partners marked IDCiSS under the theme “Karapatan ng mga Batang nasa Lansangan, Protektahan at Ipaglaban.”
In Iloilo, advocacy tarpaulins were prominently displayed across all seven districts, raising grassroots-level awareness on the rights and needs of children in street situations.
In Davao City, SNSP extended support to the Tambayan Center for Children’s Rights and BATA Inc. for a whole-day celebration and Caravan of Services on April 12, 2025.
The event engaged 104 participants—including 74 children—through group discussions, animated video screenings, and service caravans offering medical checkups, blood screening, dental referrals, HIV testing, and reproductive health counseling.
Despite challenges such as hot weather and logistical hurdles, the activity created a safe space for children to share their experiences of hunger, family abuse, street begging, and harassment, while also receiving vital services.
Commitment to Action
These multi-level initiatives demonstrated SNSP’s continuing commitment to advocacy and empowerment for CiSS—through creative tools, policy engagement, and grassroots mobilization.
By combining education, youth leadership, and community action, SNSP reinforced that protecting street children’s rights requires both broad collaboration and direct involvement from the young people themselves.
SNSP Pilots Young People’s Advocacy Toolkit for Street Children
(June 27-28, 2025)
The Street Children NGO Support Project (SNSP) supported by the LifeBank Microfinance Foundation, Inc. is making strides in empowering youth leaders and service providers with the development of a Young People’s Advocacy Toolkit for Children in Street Situations (CiSS).
The toolkit, designed as a practical resource to strengthen advocacy work, is being enriched with data from partner institutions including Balay Dalayunan in Iloilo City, the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in Guimaras, and the KKI Center in Zamboanga. It features a series of three video episodes and ten interactive modules covering key issues and rights of street-based children.
A two-day pilot testing of the toolkit was conducted at Asilo de Molo in Iloilo City with active participation from focal persons for street children, social workers from Cebu and Iloilo, and youth representatives.
Facilitated by Ms. Flor Algo, the pilot highlighted the toolkit’s dynamic design, which combines presentations with participatory activities, reflection sessions, and pre- and post-tests to measure knowledge and understanding.
The pilot concluded with the awarding of certificates to both the facilitator and participants, recognizing their role in refining the toolkit.
Next steps include an in-person pre-testing in June 2025 and the engagement of a layout artist to finalize the modules. The initiative will culminate in a National Training of Trainers (NToT) in July, which will bring together youth leaders, civil society organizations, and government service providers to roll out the toolkit nationwide.
Through this process, SNSP continues to strengthen the capacity of young advocates and their allies, ensuring that CiSS are not only represented but also actively involved in advancing their rights and protection.
Network Building and Strengthening
This project component puts a spotlight on creating and nurturing healthy, effective relationships among non-government organizations (NGOs) working on Children in Street Situations (CiSS) and Local Government Unit (LGU) implementers in Visayas and Mindanao. Network partners/members are encouraged to collaborate at the regional, provincial or city and municipal level – whichever would be most applicable and fruitful for them.
Regional meetings kept the partners/members abreast of each other’s progress and renewed their commitment to the advocacy. A Theory of Change (TOC) serves as a roadmap that keeps the network aligned while working towards its long-term goal. Progress markers, outcome mapping, and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) help in tracking changes, progress, and achievements in further strengthening and cultivating the network.
Paving the Way for a Stronger Future: Creation of a National Network for Children in Street Situations (CiSS)
(August 2025)
The Street Children NGO Support Project (SNSP), in partnership with ASMAE Philippines, has taken a historic step toward establishing a unified, civil society-led national network for Children in Street Situations (CiSS). This initiative aims to strengthen collective advocacy, coordination, and service delivery for one of the country’s most vulnerable populations.
Laying the Groundwork
In November 2024, SNSP drafted a concept paper proposing the creation of a national network of NGOs and CSOs focused on CiSS. This was shared with ASMAE, followed by a face-to-face meeting on December 20, 2024, in Manila to begin planning.
The paper proposed a national network of NGOs and CSOs dedicated to the rights and welfare of CiSS. This foundational document outlined the urgent need for a structured coalition that could address gaps in services, amplify advocacy efforts, and engage in policy reform.
Roadmap Development
On February 10–11, 2025, SNSP and ASMAE co-organized a two-day development workshop at Bahay ni IO in Quezon City. Facilitated by a resource person, the workshop brought together representatives from SNSP, ASMAE, and other key contributors. The workshop focused on the operational framework, vision, and strategic direction of the network. Participants discussed governance structures, membership processes, and the foundational principles that will guide the network.
Strategic Timeline for Network Formation
-
Core Group/Technical Working Group (TWG) formation to lead mapping and launching plans.
-
Mapping and Profiling of potential member organizations, with LifeBank covering Visayas and Mindanao, and ASMAE leading efforts in Luzon, NCR, and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
-
Ad-Hoc/Interim Group Formation in July 2025 – a 20-member team will formalize the network’s structure and lead strategic planning.
-
Official Launch set for April 12, 2026.
-
Triennial Membership Assemblies to elect officers and approve key policies.
-
Ongoing Ad-Hoc Functions to manage advocacy, stakeholder engagement, policy development, and network coordination.
Inclusive Membership and Participatory Governance
The network will be open to NGOs, CSOs, people’s organizations, and non-state actors working with CiSS. A Membership Committee will oversee screening, and new members will undergo orientation using developed materials, including a position paper with defined vision, mission, goals, and strategies (VMGS).
While the network will not be bound by formal bylaws, it will operate based on internal agreements, streamlined guidelines, and a clear governance framework. A Code of Conduct will be enforced to ensure accountability, transparency, and shared commitment.
7S Framework for Network Development
The CiSS Network will be structured using McKinsey’s 7S Framework:
-
Strategy: Advocacy, capacity-building, and policy engagement.
-
Structure: Conveners and committees, with General Assembly oversight.
-
Systems: M&E, onboarding, and operational tools.
-
Staff: Secretariat and technical experts.
-
Skills: Training in policy, organizing, legal support, and fundraising.
-
Style: Participatory, inclusive leadership.
-
Shared Values: Commitment to CiSS rights and rights-based programming.
Looking Ahead
The creation of the National CiSS Network represents a major step forward for child rights advocacy in the Philippines. With a clear roadmap and strong partnerships, the network seeks to unify civil society efforts and bring lasting change for children in street situations.