In the heart of Dipolog City, a young woman is shaping the future of her community one step at a time. Rhea, a 21-year-old third-year college student taking up a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies, has spent most of her life not only pursuing her studies but also dedicating her time to volunteer work. When she’s not in school, Rhea can often be found engaging with fellow youth, sharing her knowledge, and advocating for child rights through ChildFund Philippines.
Rhea’s journey with ChildFund began when she was just nine months old, as a sponsored child. She grew up with the organization’s support, benefiting from various programs that helped shape her confidence, leadership, and passion for advocacy. Since she was in second-year high school, Rhea has been an active child advocate and volunteer. She was among those who received early training and education through capacity-building programs, which gave her the knowledge and skills to train other young people in her community.
One of her key engagements is with ChildFund’s children and youth-led Environmental and Community Resilience and Sustainability (ECRS) program. Through this initiative, Rhea and her fellow youth advocates go around barangays in Dipolog to teach children and families about disaster preparedness, and practical ways to protect their environment.
Rhea learning hands-on CPR during our Basic Life Support and First Aid Training for our Eco-Scouts
Their work under ECRS has made a tangible difference in the community. Because of these sessions, more children are aware of what to do during emergencies, and families have become more proactive in preparing for typhoons, floods, and other hazards. In areas where they’ve conducted their training, barangay officials have taken steps to include child-friendly measures in their disaster risk reduction plans. “We don’t just talk to children—we engage them, listen to their ideas, and help them take part in making their barangays safer,” Rhea shares.
Her involvement doesn’t stop there. Rhea also helps produce guidebooks for the Eco-Scouts program, ensuring that future advocates have the resources they need to continue their work. These materials cover basic environmental principles, youth-led climate action, and steps for organizing community cleanups and tree-planting activities.
“ChildFund Philippines helped me grow as a leader,” Rhea shares. “Being a sponsored child, I was able to attend several trainings, seminars, and capacity-building workshops. I became more confident, more well-spoken, and more determined to help my community.”
Her leadership skills extend beyond volunteering. Since the age of 15, Rhea has served as a child representative in the Local Council for the Protection of Children, where she speaks on issues affecting young people. These experiences made her realize the importance of having a voice and being an active participant in decision-making processes that shape the community. “Speaking up for children’s rights and being heard by local leaders made me feel like I was truly contributing to something positive,” she reflects.
Rhea and her fellow Eco-Scouts take a quick breather in between sessions at the Basic Life Support and First Aid Training
For Rhea, encouraging the youth to participate in their communities means giving them opportunities to be heard and take action. She strongly believes that young people should not be afraid to take every opportunity to create positive change, no matter how small. “If there’s a chance to do something good, take that opportunity,” she urges. “Small actions can create a big difference.”
She also emphasizes the role of adults in supporting youth advocacy. “It’s important for young people to be active in their communities because we are the future,” she says. “Adults can support us by listening to our voices, providing guidance, and helping us make informed decisions.”
Rhea’s journey is a testament to ChildFund Philippines’ commitment to building children and youth agency. Building Children and Youth Agency (BCYA) is a strategy across ChildFund Philippines’ programs. Through BCYA, children and youth are provided with the skills and opportunities to enable them to become catalysts for positive change in their communities. BCYA develops young leaders like Rhea, giving them the skills and platforms to become champions for their rights and well-being. Moreover, BCYA helps youth groups obtain funding for their activities and works alongside local and national government agencies to ensure that children’s rights are upheld.
Rhea’s story is just one of many, but it serves as a powerful reminder that when young people are given the opportunity, knowledge, and support, they can become agents of change in their communities. Her unwavering dedication to advocacy and education continues to inspire other youth to step forward, speak up, and take action for a stronger community.
