Our Work in the Philippines

We’re unlocking hope for children who have been harmed by or are at risk of sexual abuse and exploitation.

Disrupting trauma in the Philippines looks like…

Therapy and Support.

Individual and group therapy for children and caregivers, along with after-school programs, that provide a safe and supportive environment.

Reintegration Services.

Assisting non-offending family members and child survivors of sexual abuse in reintegrating into safe, loving environments.

Trauma-Wise Training.

Empowering child welfare professionals, law enforcement, and community members with the knowledge and skills to prevent future abuse and provide trauma-wise care.

Community Outreach.

Conducting abuse prevention education and family strengthening programs to build safer communities.

**We remain determined to dismantle the complex web of trauma in the Philippines.**

The Philippines has become a global hotspot for the Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and the creation of Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM).

This modern form of trafficking harms children of all ages—even children as young as infants. Alarming reports of abuse have increased by 264% in just two years' time (UNICEF).

In the middle of such sadness, we believe healing is possible.

Our impact by the numbers.

44,646

total children stood up for.

92%

of adults we serve take a step towards resiliency.

1,733

adults supported on the pathway to resiliency.

95%

of adult training participants report having an improved understanding of how trauma impacts children.

Every child has a story of possibility just waiting to be unlocked.

AGCI actively works to disrupt sexual trauma in the Philippines by working alongside the child welfare professionals on their journey to healing.

Today, Shirley is always leading with vulnerability and authenticity.

Shirley has been a professional caregiver since she was 17. When we first met Shirley, she was standoffish, barely making eye contact with our social workers. Though she showed up to every trauma-informed training session we hosted, she was always guarded and distant.

AGCI began working with young mothers in Quezon City in early 2024. We knew that, to support the young moms we served, there wouldn’t be any lasting change unless we also introduced the caregivers who worked with them daily to trauma-informed care.

During a session on mindfulness—being aware of how one’s history and trauma impacts how they interact with the children in their care—we saw a shift in Shirley. She was more engaged than any session before. And afterward, she approached one of our social workers.

Shirley said, “I’ve spent my entire life giving care to others, but I realized today that I’ve never paid attention to my own needs. I don’t even think I know how.”

Shirley went on to disclose to one of our social workers that, like many of the young moms she served, she also had a history of sexual abuse. She admitted her anger stemmed from this trauma: “It felt better to be focusing on the needs of the [young moms] instead of my own. It left me feeling overwhelmed and frustrated—even resentful. I didn’t even have room to heal, because I was always so triggered.”

Today, Shirley is always leading with vulnerability and authenticity.

Many caregivers like Shirley have a history of trauma, unaware of its impacts on how they care for children. However, we are determined to unlock hope and healing for caregivers, so that one day they can guide children to healing. Because no child should be alone.

Hear from our leader on the ground.

Sarah Balla-Cabredo, Philippines Program Officer

"Through the training and support AGCI provides to organizations and child welfare professionals, we increase their awareness of the effects of trauma and equip them with the skills to address it, thereby supporting the healing of vulnerable populations. We promote healing and resilience by creating a safe environment where everyone has a voice, and by helping caregivers nurture both the children in their care and themselves. I'm inspired by our deep commitment to address the root cause of trauma and support healing for vulnerable populations."

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We are relentless trauma disruptors and child advocates who unlock new futures for children worldwide.

In 2023, 350 policymakers attended a national trauma-informed training event in the Philippines, the first of its kind in the country, unlocking possibilities for healing for children who need it most.