MAKATI CITY, 4 May 2005 - The Philippine government and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently signed an agreement called the Country Programme Action Plan 2005-2009, with the goal of improving the well-being of children in the Philippines.

The partnership will require P2.3 billion over the next five years.

Carrying forward the Child-Friendly Movement that began in the previous five-year programme, the goal of the current programme is to reduce by at least 50 per cent the disparities between the basic child indicators in 24 provinces and cities, and the national data by the end of 2009 compared to 2003 levels.

The indicators cover health, nutrition, education, early childhood care and development, and protection of children.

“While the Philippines has made many gains for children in recent years, there remain pockets of disparities, where the situation of children is far from ideal,” said Dr Nicholas Alipui, UNICEF Country Representative in the Philippines.

For instance, the national infant mortality rate is 30 per 1,000 live births; in Northern Samar, it is 79.

Nationwide, an average of six out of 10 children complete primary education; in Maguindanao, only two out of 10 children do.

Other disparities exist due to income levels, urban-rural location, and ethnic backgrounds.

By reducing disparities such as these, the Philippine government and UNICEF hope to contribute to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals, which will ultimately reduce poverty and improve the quality of life.

Based on the agreement, UNICEF is committed to provide up to P625 million from its regular resources.

UNICEF will also seek additional funding of up to P1.7 billion, for a total of P2.3 billion.

The agreement covers six programmes:

• Health and Nutrition Programme aims to reduce infant and under-five mortality rates and child and maternal under-nutrition in the focus areas.

• Education Programme seeks to increase access and participation in early childhood care and development, enrolment in primary school, and completion of primary school.

• Child Protection Programme aspires to identify children who are vulnerable to and are victims of abuse,e xploitation and violence through preventive actioins and early interventions.

• HIV/AIDS Programme strives to enable the most at-risk children and youth in focus areas to protect themselves from HIV and risk factors for HIV infection.

• Communication Programme seeks to increase the population’s basic understanding of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and generate commitment from policy and decision-makers to create a safe and protection environment for children.

• Local Policy and Institutional Development Programme aims to increase investments, enforce child-friendly policies and accountability for improving the situation of children in local government units.

The focus areas include: Mt. Province; Isabela; Aurora; Camarines Norte; Masbate; Antique; Guimaras; Capiz; Negros Oriental; Eastern Samar; Northern Samar; Zamboanga del Sur; Bukidnon; Sarangani; Sultan Kudarat; North Cotabato; Agusan del Sur; Maguindanao; Sulu; Manila; Pasay City; Quezon City; Cebu City; and, Davao City.

UNICEF has been working in the Philippines for over 50 years to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.

Working with national government and local government units, NGOs, civil society groups, and private sector, UNICEF has helped in reducing the country’s infant mortality rate, ensuring adequate vaccine supply, improving school performance in assisted public schools, and increasing access to and use of iodized salt.

The world’s largest provider of vaccines for poor countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, quality basic education, access to clean water and sanitation, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.

UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of governments, businesses, foundations and individuals, and through National Committees for UNICEF.