GUIMARAS — The Province of Guimaras has officially launched the MAKABATA Helpline 1383, a dedicated 24/7 child protection hotline aimed at strengthening safeguards for children across the island.
The launch was held on November 18, 2025 at Olivia’s Kitchen and Island Brew and was facilitated by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Guimaras through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
The event gathered members of the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and various stakeholders united in their mission to ensure the welfare and safety of Guimarasnon children.
Gov. Ma. Lucille L. Nava, M.D., in her message, emphasized that child protection and youth empowerment remain at the heart of the province’s development agenda, Kabataan First 2.0, implemented in partnership with Congressman JC Rahman Nava.
“In our developmental agenda, the Kabataan First 2.0, kabataan has always been at the center. All initiatives of the province are geared toward empowering our youth and protecting our children—not only for today, but to secure their future,” Gov. Nava said.
She expressed gratitude to national and local partner agencies supporting the rollout of the helpline, describing it as an important platform especially for vulnerable and voiceless children.
“This helpline ensures that those who were once afraid to speak will now have a safe channel to express their concerns. Rest assured, the Provincial Government will continue to uphold policies and actions that secure and protect the future of our children,” she added.
Gov. Nava closed with a call for unity in ensuring a protective environment for every child: “Tanan kita mag-ululupod sa pagpatigayon sang tanan naton nga inisyatibo. When our children are protected and secured, the future of Guimaras is likewise secured. Proteksyunan ta gid ang kabataan ta.”
The MAKABATA (Mahalin, Kalingain ang mga Bata) Helpline 1383 was established under Executive Order No. 79, series of 2024, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. It institutionalizes a nationwide mechanism to address reports of child abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
The helpline provides quick response to urgent child-related concerns, strict monitoring of reported cases, and feedback mechanisms to ensure proper intervention
Cases may be reported through calls, emails, social media, or the eGov mobile app. The CWC underscores that “no child deserves to be silenced, abused, or exploited,” highlighting the importance of a system that responds to reports any time of the day.
Through inter-agency coordination, case referrals, and monitoring, the MAKABATA Helpline aims to build a society where children are protected, valued, and empowered. Reports may be made by victims themselves, their families, authorities, educators, or any individual with knowledge of child-related violations.
Reports may be filed by a wide range of individuals, including child victims themselves, parents or guardians, relatives, social workers, barangay officials, teachers or school personnel, and any concerned individual with knowledge of a child’s situation. These reports may involve cases of physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual abuse; online or cyber abuse; exploitation or neglect; discrimination; grave child rights violations in situations of armed conflict; and other child welfare-related concerns.
Individuals may reach the helpline through various channels. They may call 1383, or contact mobile numbers 09193541383 (Smart) and 09158022375 (Globe). Reports may also be sent via email at makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph, through the official Facebook page Makabata Helpline, or via Instagram @makabata_helpline. Additional information and click-to-call options are available on the website www.cwc.gov.ph, while reports may likewise be submitted through the eGov Mobile App (e.gov.ph)./PN
