In 2014, the Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc (TDF) funded the project  “Operationalization of the Informal Network Mechanisn for Street-based Sex Workers in Relation to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Other Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs) Prevention Program in the Philippines Intervention for Street-based Sex Workers” otherwise known as Project WELL. The intervention tested and validated strategies recommended for sex workers in general but modifying them to be more responsive to the requirements of street-based sex workers (SBSW). The intervention was implemented in Quezon City and lasted for six months, after which, a report entitiled “Ismarte sa Kalye” was published.

Implemented with Dr Jovanni Templonuevo as Principal Investigator, curriculum development began with the psychological assessment of participating SBSWs. The training curriculum iteself included basic knowledge of STIs and HIV and also included discussions on how to save money and opportunities that can help the SBSWs leave the sex trade. Methodology employed included energizers, discussion stimulators, group discussions, creative fun participation, and individual and group participatory reflections and analyses

Project WELL was carried out by initially training a group of SBSWs (Wave 1) who were then asked to mentor at least two SBSWs themselves once they have gained a level of expertise as determined by the project implementors.