- 2025 was a year of young people stepping up, speaking out, and leading change in their communities. From nationwide polls to local outreach, content co-creation, and youth events across the country, U-Reporters helped shape conversations that matter.
- Here’s a look back at everything we achieved together.
- 1. Reaching the most vulnerable: U-Reporters lead community outreach for children and youth
- This year, young people led the work and reached those who needed it most.
- Across the Philippines, U-Reporters brought safe-space sessions, learning activities, and child protection conversations directly to communities, including children who may have limited access to youth-focused programs.
- UNICEF Young Advocate and U-Reporter Jehad facilitated leadership and participation trainings with Bangsamoro child representatives, youth organizations, and school clubs. He also introduced U-Report to child beneficiaries of the national social protection Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from across the Bangsamoro Region, including participants from mainland and island provinces, Indigenous Peoples, Sama-Badjao communities, settlers, and many who identified as queer.
- ILAW Shared Community U-Reporters in Iligan City held sessions for children aged 10–13 and high school students, covering online safety, avoiding early pregnancy, and protection from sexual abuse.
- Little Hands U-Reporters raised awareness on children’s issues in BARMM and led an alternative classroom learning session with university students.
- These efforts demonstrated the power of youth volunteerism: not only reaching youth leaders capable of driving change, but also ensuring that even the youngest and most vulnerable voices are heard, included, and supported.
- 2. Informing change through polls & consultations
- Youth opinions shaped discussions this year through nationwide U-Report polls and consultations.
- In collaboration with the National Coordination Center against online sexual abuse and exploitation including from images, and other media, the Online Safety Poll during February’s Safer Internet Month gathered nationwide insights on digital risks faced by children and young people. From June to October, thousands of U-Reporters participated in the Children & Youth Participation Poll supported by the National Youth Commission and Council for the Welfare of Children, which highlighted barriers and opportunities for meaningful youth engagement in the Philippines.
- UNICEF Young Advocate and U-Reporter Michiko participated in a nutrition consultation in partnership with UNICEF and Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development, helping to lead the call for healthier food environments in the Philippines.
- These polls and consultations reminded everyone: young people are experts of their own lives, and their voices matter.
- 3. Creating with, not for: Content co-creation with U-Reporters
- This year, storytelling and content co-creation became more youth-led than ever. On International Youth Day, U-Report volunteers collaborated with Creators #ForEveryChild to produce advocacy content, while U-Reporters in Iligan, Rizal, BARMM, and other parts of the country also shared stories on mental health and youth participation.
- U-Reporters and Creators #ForEveryChild celebrated International Youth Day through a Co-creation Masterclass (2025)
- This year, in addition to co-creating stories and advocacy content, U-Report Philippines launched digital tools to support youth well-being and environmental action with the Mental Health and Climate Chatbots that provide accessible, youth-friendly guidance and information.
- 4. Showing up where youth are: U-Reporters in youth spaces
- U-Reporters participated in youth events across the Philippines, not just through booths, but by engaging in conversations, leading volunteer activities, and facilitating open discussions with young people, advocating for issues such as climate action and youth participation.
- U-Report volunteers at the Local Conference of Youth and the Sustainable Development Goals Action Summit (2025)
- In every space, U-Reporters encouraged others to share their views, join the platform, and take part in shaping decisions that impact their lives.
- In every space, U-Reporters encouraged others to share their views, join the platform, and take part in shaping decisions that impact their lives.
- A Year Powered by Volunteers
- U-Report’s work in 2025 was made possible by volunteers who gave their time, skills, and energy to create spaces where young people feel heard and supported. From large summits to small community sessions, youth leadership powered every milestone.
- What’s Next for 2026
- Looking ahead to 2026, the journey goes on for U-Report Philippines: expanding children and youth participation, strengthening community outreach, and creating more spaces where children and young people can safely raise their voices.
