Pediatric Care Program
The Issue
Being in a hospital is stressful, knowing that you are there to treat something dysfunctional with your body. This burden is amplified with pediatric patients, oftentimes not having the logical rationale or understanding of their own medical condition that adults do. Many pediatric patients can experience psychosocial stress following their medical stay at the hospital (Meentken et al.)
In the Philippines, government hospitals, often overcrowded and understaffed, serve citizens with no health insurance or funds to pay for their hospital stay (Dougherty). Families advocate for their children to receive the care they deserve, often prompting overtime work and involving their other children in bringing familial income.
Beyond hospitals, mental health issues among Filipino youth became glaring following the COVID-19 pandemic. A pivotal, missing piece of their lives was lack of R/AP, or recreational/active play (Cordero). The prevalent culture of Filipino kids to play with one another on the streets or independently engaging in fun activities and hobbies is vital for their emotional wellbeing.
Our Solution
PHI's Pediatric Care Program aims to uplift pediatric patients during their hospital stays, hopefully making their day a bit brighter.
Through the variety of items we include in our pediatric care packages, we intend to give pediatric patients a sense of normalcy through immersion in art and handwritten cards of support that can distract from any stress or scared feelings they are experiencing.
We have also grown this program beyond the hospital, giving pediatric care packages to children who attend community enrichment centers, where they can receive showers, meals, and play time. With our packages, they can take a piece of the center home with them to enjoy and play with.
Our Care Packages
Community Involvement
Our care packages are created and assembled by our student volunteers! Through collaborations with high school and college organizations, we aim to advocate for pediatric patients' emotional wellbeing and create hand-decorate tote bags, letters, and coloring books to place in every care package alongside hygiene and school supplies.
If you are interested in hosting a service event with your organization, please visit the "Get Involved" page!
Tote Bags
Our decorated tote bags are practical, reusable items that patients can use to carry medications, personal items, or health supplies.
Beyond utility, each tote bag is personally decorated by our student volunteers Each design carries time, care, and creativity, transforming our bags into lasting connection with our patients.
As of 2025, we have decorated over 300+ tote bags!
Coloring Books
Our coloring books aim to provide a simple and accessible form of stress relief, creative expression, and distraction from medical worries or hospital routines.
These feature original line art created by student volunteers. Each page is one-of-a-kind, bringing patients joy and creativity.
Penpal Letters
Our penpal letters are a cornerstone of PHI’s patient gifts. Each one begins with familiar Filipino greetings such as ‘Kumusta ka?’ (How are you?) or ‘Hello inday/dong!" (Hello little girl/boy!), grounding the message in cultural warmth and respect.
Written by student volunteers, the letters provide patients with more than words—they offer companionship, encouragement, and a human connection across borders.
Our Impact
25+ student organization collaborations
350+ care packages distributed
$3,000+ worth of meals sponsored
5 hospital and resource center partner facilities
- Oasis of Mercy, Cebu
- Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu
- Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital, Cebu
- A local center for sexually-abused young women, Cebu
- Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), Baguio
Funded the construction of Eversley's Pediatric "Reach Out & Read Corner"
References
Cordero, Danilo A. “Let’s Play Kids: Active Play and Mental Health of Children in the Philippines.” Global Pediatric Health, vol. 11, 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11536395/
Dougherty, Charles. “The Philippines: Medical Industry Thrives, Health Care Fails.” Science for the People, vol. 13, no. 2, 1981, https://archive.scienceforthepeople.org/vol-13/v13n2/philippines-medical-industry-thrives-health-care-fails/
Meentken, Marloes G., et al. “Psychological Outcomes after Pediatric Hospitalization: The Role of Trauma Type.” Children’s Health Care, vol. 50, no. 3, 2021, pp. 278–292, https://doi.org/10.1080/02739615.2021.1890077