Ginhawa o kapakanan are words that are associated with “wellbeing.” However, there is no direct translation for “wellbeing,” as this is a mostly Western concept. This leads us to the central question of this research of “What is Filipino Child Wellbeing?”  

Since the term “child wellbeing” is often referred to for policy making on child rights and welfare, we argue that this is essential and beneficial as to what really constitutes Filipino wellbeing. This deepened understanding can further raise public consciousness and influence programming to advance child development, participation, protection, and survival.   

To ensure balanced and inclusive perspectives, this sought to understand Filipino wellbeing from both the lens of the rights holders (children) and various duty bearers (parents, barangay officials, and teachers) across the country with cross-references from existing research, literature, models, and data sources on the said matter. 

Indigenous research elements were employed such as pagtatanong-tanong, pakikipagkuwentuhan, and ginabayang talakayan in the data gathering process through three main methodologies – National Survey (done online), Community Tables (semi-structured interviews in small groups), and 1 on 1 dialogues between contrasting groups (i.e. parent and barangay official).   

The results of the analysis are pursued to ground perspectives on child wellbeing and understand this from multiple viewpoints. This collective understanding and analysis provide a strong anchor on how programs are developed, how issues on child rights are addressed, and how child rights are viewed.