UNICEF cites need for 'quality data' on vulnerable kids in PH

MANILA - UNICEF cited the Philippines' conditional cash transfer program during a summit with ASEAN senior officials in Bangkok, Thailand, on Thursday.

A statement from UNICEF noted the Philippines' "Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program", also known as 4Ps, seeks to improve the lives of around 4.4 million poor households with more than 10 million children beneficiaries.

However, UNICEF also noted that much still needs to be done in the Philippines to help children and their families, especially those in far-flung areas and vulnerable groups such as indigenous children and children with disabilities.

UNICEF officials said part of the problem lies in the dearth of data on vulnerable children.

“Not having comprehensive data allows for continued discrimination and lack of service delivery,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander.

“This vision for a better future can only be achieved if we carefully measure our progress by investing time and resources into collecting quality data, to contribute to better policy choices," said Wivina Belmonte, deputy director at UNICEF East Asia and Pacific.

Senior officials from ASEAN as well as regional experts are meeting in Bangkok on Thursday and Friday at the ASEAN-UNICEF Symposium on “Leaving No One Behind” to discuss poverty alleviation and sustainable development.