President Ferdinand Marcos has approved a one-stop system for reporting and addressing child rights violations, Malacañang announced on Tuesday.
Executive Order No. 79, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Dec. 6, establishes the Mahalin at Kalingain ang mga Bata (MAKABATA) Program.
The MAKABATA Program includes the 24/7 MAKABATA Helpline 1383, which will handle reports on abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking.
The program covers services such as reporting, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration for children in need of special protection (CNSPs).
The executive order defines CNSPs as individuals under 18, or those above 18 but unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions.
The group also includes victims of abuse, child labor, online sexual exploitation, trafficking, and other threats to their well-being.
Children in conflict with the law and those in alternative care or living with HIV are also included.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development will lead the initiative, with the Council for the Welfare of Children coordinating implementation.
Officials said the system will ensure swift action on reports and better protection for vulnerable children.
“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 stated.
Further details on the program’s rollout are expected in the coming weeks.