via GRAPHIC PLUS (w/ World Vision) — Every girl has the right to dream, discover her passions, and explore her full potential. However, for many girls, reality tells a different story: 1 in 3 women and girls will experience violence in their lifetime. Every three seconds, a girl is forced into early marriage, and each year, the number of young girls giving birth continues to rise.
In the Philippines, these global challenges are reflected in urgent local realities. Many adolescent girls continue to face a higher risk of teenage pregnancy, which often leads to interrupted education and limited opportunities. A significant number also become part of the out-of-school youth population, limiting their ability to complete their studies and achieve their full potential. These interconnected challenges continue to affect the life trajectory of young girls across the country.
World Vision ambassador and actress Belle Mariano, together with content creators and influencers Ayn Bernos and Janina Vela, champion girls’ dreams and empowerment through the Girls Can campaign.
But together, we can help change these numbers. With Girls Can, a World Vision campaign, we can help rewrite every girl’s story through child sponsorship.
The Girls Can campaign of World Vision will officially launch in August 2026. In the lead-up to the launch, and as part of World Vision’s ongoing commitment to child sponsorship, the organization continues to support girls in various parts of the world, including the Philippines, all year round.
With just Php 30 a day or Php 900 a month, you can empower a girl by providing access to health care and education, while also supporting her immediate needs during emergencies. Child sponsorship also allows you to connect with your sponsored child through letters or even meet her in person someday. Everyone is invited to join the movement to sponsor 1,000 girls by October 11 in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl.
Joining the movement are celebrities and World Vision ambassadors who continue to use their platforms to empower and inspire young girls. Among them is Kapamilya Gen Z actress Belle Mariano, who shared her hopes for a brighter future for every girl, “I’ve been blessed with opportunities that allowed me to grow, dream, and believe in myself. Because of that, I want to see a better world for girls—one where every girl is given the chance to learn, lead, and reach her full potential. When girls are supported, they can shape a future filled with hope, courage, and change.”
Likewise, content creator Ayn Bernos emphasized the importance of encouragement and representation for young girls, “I’ve faced challenges because of my skin color and my weight, but those things never defined who I am. What truly shaped me was being supported by the right people—those who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Now, I want to be that kind of support for the younger generation, reminding girls that they are enough and that their differences are their strength.”
Also lending her voice to the campaign is digital influencer Janina Vela, who hopes to inspire girls to stand up for themselves and speak their truth, “Using my platform means speaking up, even when it’s uncomfortable and even when not everyone agrees with me. Despite the bashers and the noise online, I choose to stand by my beliefs and continue using my voice. I hope to encourage girls to speak their truth, stand their ground, and know that their voices matter.”
Every girl can thrive when she is seen, supported, and empowered to use her voice—regardless of her background, appearance, or beliefs. That is why World Vision Philippines National Director Dr. Herbert Q. Carpio hopes everyone can come together to give girls a better future, “We’re grateful to have role models like Belle, Ayn, and Janina who have consistently shown their support for young girls. We hope many more can join them in the Girls Can movement, because girls and women are truly unstoppable when they are seen and heard.”
Help World Vision Philippines reach 1,000 sponsorships for girls by October 11. Visit https://www.worldvision.org.ph/sponsor-child/ to become a child sponsor and empower a girl today.
With the right support and opportunities, girls can define their own worth, claim their space, and shape a better future. Join ambassadors Belle Mariano, Ayn Bernos, and Janina Vela in supporting the Girls Can movement and helping empower the next generation of girls.—World Vision
