Longitudinal Cohort Study on the Filipino Child: Wave 2 Final Report

The Wave 1 Survey provided insights into the status of 10-year-old Filipino children, highlighting their school performance, risks, and factors affecting their safe passage through adolescence. A year later, Wave 2 data offers a deeper understanding of their circumstances at ages 11-12, showing a general decline in vulnerability across various domains, though issues persist.

Key findings include:

• Vulnerability Trends: A downward trend in vulnerability from Wave 1 to Wave 2, though problems remain.
• Risk Classification: Children are categorized as persistently at risk, persistently safe, newly at risk, or recovered from risk, aiding in targeted interventions.
• Emerging Issues: Concerns about food security, adolescent nutrition, child labor, and increased internet use, which could lead to risky behaviors.
• New Data: Sexual Maturity Rating scales, cognitive ability assessments, and psychosocial well-being scores provide additional context.
• Gender Disparity: Boys are disproportionately disadvantaged compared to girls, especially during pubertal transition.

The study aims to identify gaps in research, policy, and programs, and highlight initiatives that improve the well-being of these children.