Along the busy streets of the cities in the Philippines, amidst the traffic, traffic lights, and signages, are children—of varying ages from toddlers to teenagers—selling snacks, rags, water, or cigarettes. These young street vendors, although may look small and petite in stature, carry heavy weights on their backs. If looked upon closely they are part of the country’s informal economy, trying their utmost best to survive and support their families.

 

Their stories, though often unheard, are slowly being brought to light through recent studies, national reports, and documentaries. In a 2023 study in Sorsogon City, a growing number of street-working children were reported. Their ages range from 5 to 15 years old, predominantly male and unable to finish elementary school, causing them to be driven to the streets by poverty. It is an increasing issue that these children are highly vulnerable to risk and physical hazards (Perena & Hapin, 2023). It is vital to consider that street vending is not simply a symptom of poverty—it is also deeply correlated with the flawed system and informal economy of the Philippines. Similarly, a 2024 action research study conducted in Manila has emphasized that while street vending provides possible means to acquire necessities, it comes with significant challenges. These conflicts often stem from financial vulnerability and instability, leading to a lack of access to essential services such as healthcare, which forces dependency on hazardous labor and informal support systems (Romero, 2024). Many children have shared that they join their parents or older siblings in selling goods on the street. These children become both economic contributors and silent casualties of poverty. With limited access to education and healthcare, they often forgo their childhood for survival.

 

With this, it is pertinent to consider the reason behind the deepening problem of street vending. Bodoso (2023) has highlighted that most children have chosen street life over enduring hunger, physical assault, or verbal abuse at home. The nature of their family relationships has played vital roles in their decisions to leave; various having separated parents or in a household where step-parents are involved, often leading to neglect. Correspondingly, Ali et al. (2001) found that nearly 75% of children living on the streets identified poverty as the main reason for their situation, whether their fathers were unemployed or even in cases where they were employed. Many of these children work to help support their families, while around 15% reported leaving home due to experiences of physical abuse. These findings underscore how poverty, family structure, and abuse force children into street life as a form of survival.

 

Despite their vulnerabilities, street vendors play a visible yet undervalued role in community life. They have continuously helped people and served students with affordable food and supplies, creating affordability in urban spaces. Their growing presence is a continuous reminder of a more profound social truth: behind every street-child vendor is a system that failed to protect them (Carel et al., 2024). As Filipino citizens, we must continuously ponder and ask—what if we saw the children not just as workers, statistics, or numbers, but as children who deserve safety, play, and education? They should be seen as children who deserve the right to a safe and nurturing environment, access to proper and quality education, and the freedom to play, have fun, and fully enjoy their childhood. Supporting child protection programs, reporting abuse, and empowering Filipino families through sustainable livelihood programs are vital steps forward. Furthermore, unveiling their stories is only the beginning. May every street child vendor that we see, every ice candy sold, and every Sampaguita offered to serve as a reminder that these are simply not just a sale—it’s a silent but in-depth story of struggle, strength, and survival.