"We're in this together"
The video "We're In This Together" by Catriona Gray speaks profoundly to the reality of Filipino children growing up amid poverty, hunger, and insecurity—themes that deeply relate to the ongoing struggles faced by millions of young Filipinos today. Reflecting on this video reminds us that appreciation for the Filipino people must go beyond words; it calls for urgent action to make the Philippines a safe, nurturing home for its children rather than a harsh environment reminiscent of a warzone.
PIDS estimates suggest that child poverty in the Philippines could be as high as twice the official figure of 57%, indicating millions of children suffer deprivation hidden beneath household-level statistics. Over 5 million children face extreme poverty, grappling with inadequate nutrition, limited access to health care and education, and economic hardship that pushes some into premature work or dropping out of school. Such disparities are most acute in rural, agricultural, and conflict-prone areas—all places where childhood innocence and opportunity are under threat.
The video’s message is a call for collective responsibility. It urges every Filipino and the global community to see these children not as distant statistics but as individuals whose futures depend on our care and commitment. It asks us to stand united "in this together," embracing the Filipino spirit of bayanihan (communal unity), so no child has to suffer the effects of poverty, neglect, or violence.
Relationally, the video resonates as a reminder that the Filipino nation’s strength and dignity lie in how we protect our most vulnerable—our children. It compels us to act decisively to ensure their rights to education, health, security, and happiness are fulfilled. Wherever we are, the Philippines must be more than a place on the map; it must be a true home where every child can grow free from fear, thrive in love, and dream boldly.
In extending this vision, "We're In This Together" becomes both an anthem of hope and a powerful motivation for all of us to commit to building a future where Filipino children live with dignity and peace, away from hunger, violence, and hardship. It effectively transforms our appreciation of the Filipino people into a promise that their children will inherit a brighter, safer, and more loving homeland.