Helpline for abused children is at the fingertips, help report child abuses

CEBU CITY – Helpline for abused children is practically at your fingertips!  “MAKABATA Helpline 1383” is a reporting mechanism project of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) designed to assist children victims of abuse and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas encourages the public to use and popularize it.

To report cases, call 1383 or mobile numbers 0919-354-1383 (SMART) and 0915-802-2375 (GLOBE) or email makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph.

The public can access online platforms like Facebook at Makabata Helpline, for online resources to learn about children’s rights and the services available.  The helpline is also available on the eGov website and mobile application.

“Every child has rights that should not be violated and ignored. It is important that we know and understand the rights of our children such as freedom, access to education, enough food, opportunity for play, protection from abuse, to live in a peaceful community, among others,” CWC secretariat Cynthia Bersabal said.

MAKABATA Helpline is short for “MAhalin, KAlingain ating mga BATA” and aims to provide a quick response to reports received through calls, electronic mail, and social media platforms about child abuses.  The launching of this project helps CWC to establish a support system and reporting mechanism for those experiencing abuse and seeking assistance, Bersabal added.

DSWD-7 encourages public to popularize the helpline

The DSWD-7 and the Regional Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC) take the lead in the protection and welfare of the children sector and the establishment of the presence of the helpline as outlined in Republic Act 111888 or the Special Protection of Children is assured.

RCWC7 chairperson Shalaine Marie Lucero said that DSWD aims to help communities become proactive in reporting abuse and exploitation of children.  “The challenge now is how to get the message across, especially for the duty-bearers who will translate into the subconscious efforts of the community about the presence of this helpline,” Lucero added.

The helpline is also the agency’s contribution to end online sexual abuse or exploitation of children or OSAEC, and child labor, which remains prevalent in Central Visayas. The MAKABATA Helpline 1383 ensures that children experiencing abuse must have someone to report to, Lucero said.

“These societal issues continue to prevail because many lack awareness on where to report cases of child abuse. Now that this platform is in place, we call on the public to act and protect our children,” she noted and encouraged everyone to report or send a complaint against any violation of children’s rights to our available platforms.”

She also cited that abuse can happen anywhere and anytime, whether online or offline. Those who come in contact will get support from a network of service providers such as government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and private sectors.

Anyone can report, maybe it be the child victim, parents or guardians, relatives, social workers, barangay and school workers, and any person who has direct knowledge of the abuse to the children.

According to Lucero, this year’s observance of the Children’s Month advocacy calls for a heightened awareness of the rights and protection of children from abuse, exploitation, neglect, or any violation of their rights.

DSWD is committed to supporting awareness of the helpline in partnership with key stakeholders in terms of popularization by investing in advocacy campaigns, educational outreach, and community mobilization. (PR/Photos: DSWD7)