Country Profile

Including more than 7,000 islands, 700 of which are inhabited, the Philippines has a rich ethnic background including many isolated tribal peoples. Thirty percent of school age children have no opportunity for education. The Philippines is Asia's only country with a Catholic majority.

Mario Roldan, a former HFC student, is now assisting Pastor Verganio in planting another church among his own people, the Mangyans. Our HFC liaison reports that, "He is an aggressive worker and is trusted by his pastor in evangelizing his people."

Education - Hope for Children

Hope for Children (HFC), WHI’s child sponsorship program, helps children in developing countries achieve their potential so that as adults they will be prepared to provide for their families and take positions of leadership in their homes, communities and churches. Monthly donations help provide a child with education, nutritious food, clothing, and some medical care.

Rural Development

Many people around the world struggle daily for food. WHI agriculture projects seek sustainable solutions to food insecurity with projects from distributing hoes to securing land rights. Seed loan programs are needed to help displaced people or people who have experienced crop failure due to drought, floods or pests. At harvest the seeds are repaid and used the next season to help other needy families. Concrete drying floors are constructed to help farmers preserve their hard earned crops. Oxen teams, plows and carts increase production in some regions. These items are sold on credit, interest-free, with the revenue from the harvest invested back into the program to help more farmers.