General Santos City, Philippines – Transforming Fragilities, Inc. (TFI) led the presentation of the final evaluation results for Plan International’s “Learn and Stay Protected (LSP) Project: System Approach to Preventing Child, Early & Forced Marriage in the Philippines” on February 7, 2025, at Microtel Hotel, General Santos City. The presentation was made by TFI’s Founder and Evaluation Team Lead, Ahmed Harris Pangcoga, with support from Managing Director Judith Joy Libarnes and MERL Associate Princess Balinte.
The evaluation provided a comprehensive assessment of the program’s effectiveness in addressing child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM) through a systems-based approach. It examined the impact of institutional strengthening, community engagement, and youth empowerment efforts in preventing CEFM in various communities across the three identified municipalities in BARMM – Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Blah Sinsuat, and Upi. Key findings highlighted the progress made in policy advocacy, capacity-building initiatives, and awareness campaigns, as well as challenges that need to be addressed for long-term sustainability.
During the presentation, Pangcoga underscored the significance of a holistic and collaborative approach in tackling CEFM, emphasizing the need for continuous engagement among stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities. The discussion also covered recommendations on sustaining the program’s gains, ensuring that interventions remain effective and responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups.
The event gathered representatives from various sectors who actively listens on the discussion on strengthening future efforts to prevent CEFM. Insights from the evaluation will serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at protecting children’s rights and promoting gender equality in the Philippines.
TFI reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based advocacy and program development, ensuring that the lessons learned from the evaluation will contribute to shaping more impactful strategies in the fight against child, early, and forced marriage.
