In a significant step towards safeguarding the welfare of children, the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has officially institutionalized the Makabata Helpline 1383.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando who represented the PGB and the Council for the Welfare of Children, represented by Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo M. Tapales, signed a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for this vital initiative during the Flag Raising Ceremony held on November 4, 2024 at The Pavilion Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center in Malolos City.
The establishment of the Makabata Helpline 1383 is in line with Republic Act No. 10661, which declares November of every year as National Children’s Month with the theme “Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines,” highlighting the urgent need to combat violence against children and create a secure environment for their growth and development.
Fernando expressed his commitment to the protection of children’s rights and emphasized the importance of the helpline in addressing issues related to child abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
“The Makabata Helpline 1383 is a crucial resource for children and families in need. By institutionalizing this helpline, we are reinforcing our dedication to ensuring that every child in Bulacan can access support and protection,” he stated.
The Makabata Helpline 1383 aims to provide immediate assistance to children and their families through a dedicated hotline where they can report incidents of abuse and violence. It will also serve as an informative platform, offering guidance on various child welfare issues and connecting families to relevant services available in the province.
As Bulacan takes this pivotal step forward, the PGB encourages communities to participate in the observance of National Children’s Month and to promote awareness about the Makabata Helpline 1383.
Meanwhile, various activities were also lined up in relation to the observance including “Batang Bulakenyo, Tagisan ng Talento” on November 12 which includes poem reciting, copy and color, and solo singing contests. Winners will receive P3,000 (1st prize), P2,000 (2nd prize), P1,000 (3rd prize), and a consolation prize of P500; Sexually Healthy and Personally Empowered (SHAPE) Adolescents Training of Trainers will be held from November 13 to 15; Zumbalilit competition will take place at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center on November 16 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, which will coincide with Fernando’s State of Children’s Address (SOCA); Regional Children’s Congress will be hosted by Central Luzon State University in City Science of Munoz, Nueva Ecija for the oathtaking of Bulacan Federation of Child Development Workers and PCPC Child Representatives on November 22; Population and Development Week will be celebrated from November 23 to 29 where November 25 is set for the Service Recognition to Population Officers and Workers, Orange Day Campaign to End VAWC, and Kabataan Got Talent C.Y. 2024, while November 29 is designated for VAW Desk 101: Understanding and Implementing RA 9262; and Radyo Kapitolyo will host discussions for their National Children’s Month Radio Advocacy with the topics “National Children Month,” “Children’s Right,” “National Play Advocacy Week,” and “4Ps Exemplary Child Winner and Juvenile Justice Consciousness Week,” on November 7, 14, 21, and 28 respectively.
Moreover, the “Ngiti Mo, Sagot Namin” Free Harelip Cleft Palate Operation will start its recruitment on the first to third week of November, while the operation date will begin on the fourth week of the month.
The National Play Advocacy Week will also be celebrated during the third week of November, and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week will be on the fourth week.
