The Filipino population is quite young, with over 42% of citizens under 18 years of age. This section of the population is the most vulnerable to misery and inequality, and one in every three children lives in poverty.

In the Bicol Region, one of the poorest in the country, this percentage is as high as 51%, resulting in malnutrition among the population. Poverty also affects education and this, together with the poor quality of education and a lack of public investment in school equipment, material and teacher training, lead many children to drop out of school and seek work to help their families.