They have been variously described as young human beings older than babies and younger than adults; the tomorrow generation; youngsters; the small fries; creators that are always halfway between their parents and the television set, and so forth.

They are the children – the poor people’s riches, as well as the rich people’s treasures.

Early next month, more than at any other time, the nation’s attention will be focused on them as the World Vision Philippines hosts a national convention on urgent issues affecting the Filipino children.

The convention will bring together individuals and groups representing the government, civil society, NGOs, media, the academe, and faith-based organizations to look into the current situation regarding the rights of Filipino children.

World Vision Philippines, a child-focused organization linked with similar institutions abroad, is a relief, development and advocacy group dedicated to child welfare, addressing the causes of poverty and injustice and striving to help children realize their full potentials.

Liwayway Vinzons-Chato, chairperson of the World Vision Philippines’ board of trustees, explained that child well-being means that children live to enjoy good health, love God and their neighbors, be protected from abuse, develop skills through education and participation in family life and the communities.

She said World Vision around the world advocates for “Our vision for every child, life in its fullness; our prayer for every heart, the will to make it so.”

As of 2007, the country’s population was estimated by the National Statistics Office at more than 88 million with 43 percent or 38 million as children below the age of 18.

In 2006, the NSO estimate put poverty incidence in the Philippines at 33 percent or 29.15 million Filipinos below the poverty line. Needless to say, children bear the brunt of poverty and suffer the most.

Vinzons-Chato, a lawyer who is congresswoman for Camarines Norte, said the convention to be held on August 3-5, hopes to identify major threats to the well-being of children, such as poverty, malnutrition and abuse, and to determine ways to work together on policies and programs that would promote the welfare and security of Filipino children.

One of World Vision Philippines’ most notable projects is its child sponsorship program where benefactors take charge of financing a child’s education, health, nutrition, value formation and community participation.

One well-known celebrity sponsor is Karen Davila, the ABS-CBN broadcaster who has sponsored four kids. Another is the singer Christian Bautista who has three children under his sponsorship. Davila, aside from broadcasting the evening TV news from Monday to Friday runs a weekend television program on motherhood and children.

Less well-known but equally committed to helping kids is Lt. Senior Grade Armando Balilo, public information officer of the Philippine Coast Guard, who is currently sponsoring two children from Palawan.

(zhern_218@yahoo.com)