Award-winning journalist Kara David will feature the powerful story of George, a former street child from Manila, in the latest episode of 'i-Listen' premiering Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 5 PM on the GMA Public Affairs YouTube channel.
The episode titled 'Born in the Streets, Raised by Resilience' documents George's journey from homelessness on Manila's pavements to building a life of dignity and purpose.
Kara David described the conversation as raw, heartfelt, and intimate, focusing on the unseen battles behind every smile from street children.
'This episode is a reminder that behind every laugh is a human being with battles unseen,' David stated in the episode preview released by GMA.
She emphasized that truly listening can change lives, which is the core mission of her interview series that features unfiltered conversations.
The episode follows George's transformation 'from tambay to leading man' in his own life story, showcasing resilience amid urban poverty.
GMA Public Affairs continues its tradition of highlighting social issues through documentary-style programming accessible on digital platforms.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development estimates over 250,000 street children nationwide, with many concentrated in Metro Manila.
Advocacy groups have long called for comprehensive programs addressing root causes like poverty, family disintegration, and lack of access to education.
George's story represents countless Filipino children who survive daily on streets, often invisible to society despite their visible presence.
The episode aims to humanize statistics and challenge stereotypes about homeless populations in Philippine cities.
Kara David, known for her compassionate journalism, has previously produced award-winning documentaries on marginalized communities.
Her approach in 'i-Listen' creates space for subjects to share narratives without sensationalism, fostering deeper public understanding.
For OFW families, stories like George's resonate deeply as many workers abroad left children behind who face vulnerability.
The Philippine context is crucial as street children represent a persistent national challenge requiring systemic solutions beyond individual resilience.
Viewers can access the episode globally via YouTube, making it available to the millions-strong Filipino diaspora community.
Digital platforms allow real-time discussion about social issues, potentially influencing policy debates and community responses.
This episode matters to Filipino readers because it addresses a visible yet often ignored reality in Philippine urban centers.
Street children represent both a humanitarian concern and a development challenge affecting the nation's future workforce.
The story highlights that dignity and transformation are possible with support, relevant to communities and policymakers alike.
For OFWs, it underscores the importance of family support systems and the vulnerabilities children face when parents work abroad.
Ultimately, George's journey from Manila's streets to stability mirrors the broader Philippine aspiration for inclusive progress.
The episode serves as both documentation and call to action regarding one of the country's most pressing social issues.
