THE Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) is expanding the coverage of the “Mahalin at Kalingain ang ating mga Bata” (Makabata) helpline 1383 to the Visayas and Mindanao this year to reach more people, especially children who are in need.
CWC Executive Director Angelo Tapales, during the “Bagong Pilipinas” program, yesterday said that they intend to set up the hotline in at least one region in the Visayas and one in Mindanao.
“Hindi naman po kasi natin kayang ikutin lahat kaagad iyan because it will entail a lot of budget and manpower pero we want to be more strategic–gusto po nating ipakalat iyan sa buong Pilipinas (We cannot immediately cover all because it will entail a lot of budget and manpower, but we want to be more strategic–we want it spread in the whole Philippines),” Tapales said.
He said they are also talking with private telecommunications companies about making the call to the helpline, especially when using mobile phones, for free.
He said they are also seeking an executive order that would recognize the Makabata helpline as the “focal or apex helpline for children in the Philippines.”
Apart from helpline 1383, the public can also call Smart number 09193541383 or call the Globe number 0915-802-2375. They can also email at makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph to report child abuses.
Makabata helpline 1383, which was launched in the National Capital region in October last year, is a number that children, parents, guardians, people with legal custody of children and concerned citizens can call to report and seek help for victims of physical, verbal, sexual, emotional, exploitation, neglect and discrimination abuses, among others.
Tapales said many of the callers they received are based in Metro Manila, and Regions III (Central Luzon) and IV (Southern Tagalog).
Makabata helpline 1383 is based on Republic Act 11188 or An Act Providing for the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict and Providing Penalties for Violations.
