Eight-year-old Erwin is like the average young boy in his barangay, except that at his young age he is forced to go through life without his mother who died unexpectedly. 

 

Close to 11 million children live in poverty in the Philippines, and so many of them battle daily without parental care due to varied reasons. 

 

Life can be tough for a child living in poverty without a mother. But things are about to change for Erwin. Last March, he was chosen to be sponsored by someone willing to be his second “mother”—Tin-tin Babao.

 

Through World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Program, Tin-tin signed up to support Erwin’s education, his family, and even his entire community. Tin-tin’s monthly donation of P600 when pooled with that of other sponsors ensures that Erwin, like other assisted children, stays in school, receives healthcare, and community development assistance.  

 

Erwin is only one of four children the Babao family supports through World Vision. 

 

“Milyun-milyong bata sa Pilipinas ang dumaranas ng kahirapan, at madami sa kanila ay walang gabay ng nanay o tatay. It gives my motherly soul more purpose and meaning here on Earth to know that I am able to care for other children through World Vision,” shares Tin-tin. 

 

Child Sponsorship allows sponsors like Tin-tin and her family to have a personal connection with the children they are helping. Both parties may exchange letters and even meet each other. The Babao’s will receive regular updates from Erwin on how he’s doing in school and at home.

 

Just like a real mother, Tin-tin only hopes for the best for Erwin and the other children her family helps.

 

“The same values I have always taught my six-year-old Anya and the core discipline I will teach my one-year-old Nio are the same things I want to impart to Erwin: never lose faith. Count your blessings. Pay forward the kindness you receive,” she shares.