30/09/2026
VOICE FROM CARE: LISTENING TO THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WE SERVE 💙
Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, Inc. (KBF) was honored to be part of the ASEAN High-Level Forum on Child Care Reform: Strengthening Family Care and Child Protection Systems, held on September 24–25, 2026 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
KBF Executive Director Ms. Glady M. Bunao served as Moderator of the “Voice from Care” session, entitled:
“What Would I Change If I Were Designing the Care System?”
At the heart of the session were two powerful voices from lived experience—brothers Sonny and Zeldie Buhain, both scholars of KBF’s Independent Living and Educational Assistance (ILEA) Program, with support from Holt International.
Having spent many years under the care of Manila Boystown, Sonny and Zeldie shared not only their experiences of alternative care, but also their hopes for a care system that prepares children and young people not just for today, but for the future.
Their message was clear:
Children need more than food, shelter, and education.
They need to be heard, understood, supported, guided, encouraged, and given opportunities to pursue their dreams.
They reminded us that turning 18 does not automatically mean that a young person is ready to face life independently. Preparation for independent living must begin early, and support should continue as young people transition from care into adulthood.
Through ILEA, the brothers experienced how education, financial assistance, guidance, opportunities, and people who believe in them can help transform an uncertain future into one filled with hope and possibilities.
They also reminded us that while we must strengthen families and prevent unnecessary separation whenever it is safe and possible, we must not forget young people who may not be able to return to their families or find permanent family care before adulthood.
One message particularly captures the heart of their sharing:
“We should not only ask, ‘Where will this child stay today?’ We should also ask, ‘What kind of future are we helping this young person build?’”
Their voices remind us that children and young people should not simply be recipients of care—they should be participants in shaping the care systems that affect their lives.
As KBF continues its commitment to family strengthening, child participation, and supporting young people toward independent living, we are grateful to Sonny and Zeldie for courageously lending their voices to this important regional conversation.
And as the session reminded us:
If we want to design better care systems for children, we must design them WITH children—not simply FOR them.
Thank you, Sonny and Zeldie, for reminding us that every child has a voice, every young person has dreams, and every child deserves a future worth building.
