J1275N Bacolod and Makati Cities’ Youth Transformation

The Situation

Bacolod City is located in Negros Occidental in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Despite being an urban centre, the area experiences persistent poverty, underemployment, and limited access to education, nutrition, and stable livelihoods for vulnerable groups. Many households rely on informal or insecure work, leaving families vulnerable to inconsistent access to nutritious food and economic shocks.

The project addresses several interconnected development needs in Bacolod City:

1. A key need is child welfare and access to education. Vulnerable children and youth may have basic needs met but lack support for education costs, enrichment, and pathways into tertiary education, limiting long-term opportunities.
2. Food insecurity and poor nutrition affect homeless individuals, prisoners, and low-income households. Diets are often characterised by low-nutrient intake, limited access to fresh foods, and inadequate nutrition education.
3. Limited livelihood opportunities contribute to ongoing poverty. Many low-income individuals lack access to skills training and dignified employment, thereby increasing dependence on aid. Local churches and community organisations are well-positioned to respond to these needs but require modest financial support to sustain and coordinate their work.

The Objective

To improve the well-being and long-term prospects of vulnerable children, women, and low-income community members of Bacolod City through education support, access to nutritious food, basic livelihood opportunities, and holistic support.

• Goal 1: To improve educational access and retention for 80 vulnerable children and youth in Bacolod City over three years through sponsorship.
• Goal 2: To incr