The first time I learned about the work of Childhope Philippines was while collaborating with a Japanese non-profit, Dear Me, which shares the same passion for ushering hope to Filipino children living in vulnerable situations.

I have since come to deeply admire Childhope’s work for children living and working on the streets, defined by the United Nations as any girl or boy for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood and who is inadequately protected, supervised, or directed by responsible adults.

Pausing to imagine the realities faced by Children in Street Situations (CiSS) is sobering.

As other literature explains, “Streets can be an unforgiving place for children. They are at risk of contracting infectious diseases and frequently exposed to violence, bullying, sexual exploitation, and substance abuse. Access to health care and protection services is limited. Moreover, missing critical school years severely constrains the prospects for CiSS to obtain decent work and fulfill their overall life potential.”

It is my hope and prayer that the fresh leadership of Mylene Lagman will bring renewed strength and blessings to Children in Street Situations and to their families as Childhope continues its mission of care, protection, and hope.

Effective January 1, 2026, Mylene Lagman has been appointed Executive Director of Childhope Philippines, following more than 16 years of dedicated service to the organization. Her appointment formalizes a leadership role she has already been living out, having served as Deputy Executive Director since July 2024 and as Officer-in-Charge beginning October 16, 2024.

In announcing her appointment, Childhope underscored both continuity and confidence in her leadership. The organization cited Lagman’s “steady leadership and deep commitment to Childhope’s mission,” noting that her long tenure has equipped her with “deep institutional knowledge, strong leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing Childhope’s mission for children and youth in street situations.”

For Mylene Lagman, the milestone is less about personal achievement and more about shared purpose. “With a grateful heart, thank you to everyone who has walked with, supported, and trusted Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc. through the years,” she shared. Grounding her leadership in faith and humility, she added, “If this is Your will, Lord, I humbly ask for Your continued guidance as we move forward.”

Her message reflects a leadership style shaped by years of working closely with communities, partners, and the children themselves. “This role is not about me, but about strengthening our collective mission for the children and youth in street situations who deserve access to education, health, protection, and hope,” Mylene said. “I ask for your continued prayers, partnership, and support so we can keep serving them better, together.”

Childhope’s trust in Lagman is rooted not only in her experience but also in her deep alignment with the organization’s values. Founded on the belief that every child is created with inherent worth and dignity, Childhope has, since its beginnings in the late 1980s, worked to ensure that children in street situations are protected from abuse and given opportunities to develop their full potential. From its early days as the Asia office of Childhope International to its formal establishment as Childhope Philippines Foundation, Inc., the organization has remained focused on integrated, rights-based interventions in education, health, and social services.

Today, Childhope envisions a Philippines where urban poor children, especially those in street situations, can fully access their rights and grow into accepted and responsible members of society. This vision is sustained by core values of compassion and commitment, integrity and teamwork, and principles that Mylene has embodied throughout her years of service.

As she steps into the role of Executive Director, Mylene Lagman carries both the weight of the organization’s history and the promise of its future. Childhope has invited its partners, donors, and supporters to join in congratulating her, expressing optimism that she will continue to lead the organization with “purpose, integrity, and compassion.”

In her own words, the guiding principle remains clear and unwavering: “For the children. Always.”