President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has taken a significant step towards safeguarding children from abuse by approving the establishment of a comprehensive one-stop system. This program, formalized through Executive Order (EO) 79 signed on December 8, introduces the Mahalin at Kalingain ating mga Bata (MAKABATA) Program and institutionalizes the MAKABATA Helpline 1383.
The MAKABATA Program is designed to address and monitor all issues concerning children in need of special protection (CNSPs). It encompasses various components, including reporting, rescue and relief, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The program aims to provide a holistic approach to child protection, making sure that all necessary measures are in place to support vulnerable children.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will spearhead the implementation of the MAKABATA Program, with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) serving as the overall coordinating and monitoring body. All relevant government agencies are instructed to appoint MAKABATA coordinators, focal persons, and child protection officers to ensure the program’s effective execution.
A key feature of EO 79 is the institutionalization of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383, a dedicated 24/7 hotline for reporting CNSP issues. Managed by the CWC, this helpline will act as the central reporting system, ensuring that all concerns are promptly addressed or referred to the appropriate agencies for action.
“All concerns received through any of the communication platforms of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 shall be immediately acted upon or referred, directly or indirectly, to concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, including LGUs and private sector partners, for appropriate action and/or intervention,” the EO states. The helpline will establish a referral pathway linking all government agencies and partners into a cooperative network aimed at delivering services to CNSPs.
The CWC is tasked with responding to inquiries about CNSP issues, referring matters to the relevant agencies, and implementing a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure timely and appropriate interventions. Additionally, the CWC will work with the Presidential Communications Office to promote public awareness of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 and explore ways to streamline existing helplines for CNSPs.
The DSWD and CWC are directed to issue guidelines for the effective implementation of EO 79, which takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. Funding for the initial implementation will come from the current appropriations of the DSWD, CWC, and other implementing agencies.
The establishment of the MAKABATA Program marks a pivotal moment in the protection of children in the Philippines. By creating a centralized system for addressing and monitoring child protection issues, the government aims to provide a safer environment for all children, particularly those most vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to upholding children’s rights and ensuring their well-being. The MAKABATA Program and Helpline 1383 are expected to play a crucial role in preventing and responding to child abuse cases, offering a lifeline to those in need.
As the program rolls out, the DSWD and CWC will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders, including local government units and private sector partners, to enhance the delivery of services to CNSPs. The success of the MAKABATA Program will depend on the collective efforts of all involved in protecting the nation’s children.
For more information on the MAKABATA Program and how to report child protection issues, individuals can contact the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 or visit the DSWD and CWC websites.