New World Vision National Director aims to amplify children’s voices

World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. (WVDF), a Christian humanitarian organization, has recently appointed child-focused development expert Dr. Herbert Quilon Carpio as its new National Director as part of the organization’s commitment to address the most pressing child well-being issues in the country.

Speaking before the child-focused foundation’s staff nationwide, he said that he wants to have more focus on what truly matters for the children’s sector.

“The voices of the children are the most important validation that we can receive, and we should be building upon that. We should extend compassion not just for our beneficiaries but for all stakeholders as well, most especially to the members of the World Vision family,” added Dr. Carpio.

During the same corporate devotion, the community health development advocate shared insights on social determinants of health as one of his inspirations in serving the most vulnerable children.

“What good does it do to treat people’s illnesses only to send them back to the conditions that made them sick?” said Dr. Carpio while sharing that “Every single thing, the economy, poverty, education of the parents, even the education of a child, it affects the health, welfare, wellbeing of the patient. So that is why I am here right now, and that is why I have devoted 17 years of my life in working in social welfare and development, not just health.”

From an idea on childrearing, Dr. Carpio said, “Parents should be willing to show that they can do it so that their child will have the courage to do it also; learning by modelling. In the principle of one living, I hope that all of the values that we possess flow through our professional and personal lives. That is also the kind of leadership I want to bring to World Vision.”

“I ask each and every one of you to please pray for me, for guidance in deeply understanding our work in World Vision, and for treading the best path to achieving hope, joy and justice for all children,” requested World Vision’s new National Director.

Championing transformational development

Dr. Carpio, known among his peers as “Harvey,” brings a wealth of experience and expertise in child-focused development and social work. Dr. Carpio’s 16-year tenure at Childhope Philippines has played a significant part in cultivating the foundation’s programs and policies that promote children’s rights to protection, education, health, and social services.

Prior to this, Dr. Carpio was in charge of the said organization’s mobile health clinic project, which brought accessible healthcare services to the most vulnerable. He also led Unilab Foundation’s Leadership Journey Project and served as founding Board chairperson of Bahay Amihan Inc., which advanced the welfare of healthcare professionals and solo parents respectively.

“Our charge to Dr. Carpio is firstly, prioritize having a right relationship with God: please God, not men, remain faithful to His Word, and keep yourself holy,” said WVDF Board of Trustees Chair Simoun Ung. “Secondly, feed and lead WVDF in a manner that the leadership team, staff and volunteers may present their respective flocks to our Lord Jesus Christ someday.”

About World Vision Development Foundation, Inc.

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and communities. Our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, overcome poverty and injustice and experience fullness of life.

For the past 70 years, our Christian faith has inspired us to protect and care for the most vulnerable children around the globe.

With over 65 years of experience in the Philippines, World Vision is the largest non-profit organization in the country, currently operating in 43 provinces, 18 cities, 102 municipalities and 925 barangays directly reaching millions of children through sponsorship, sector programming, emergency response and local advocacy initiatives in rural, urban and fragile contexts.