GUIMARAS LAUNCHES MAKABATA HELPLINE 1383 TO STRENGTHEN CHILD PROTECTION EFFORTS
The Province of Guimaras officially rolled out the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 on November 18, 2025 at Olivia’s Kitchen and Island Brew in San Miguel, Jordan. The event was facilitated by the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Guimaras through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
The launch gathered members of the Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and various stakeholders committed to advancing the welfare and protection of Guimarasnon children.
In her message, Governor Ma. Lucille L. Nava, M.D. emphasized that child protection and youth empowerment remain central to the province’s development agenda, Kabataan First 2.0, in partnership with Congressman JC Rahman Nava: “In our developmental agenda, which is the Kabataan First 2.0, together with our beloved Congressman JC Rahman Nava, kabataan has been the heart heart of the agenda. So all the initiatives that are been catered by the Province are all geared towards the empowerment of the youth and the protection of our children, not only the protection of our children, but the protection of the future of our children”.
She expressed her gratitude to partner agencies supporting the rollout of the helpline.
“I would like to thank the partner agencies in the implementation of this. I would like also to thank the launching of this helpline which is at least sa mga vulnerable and the voiceless, they are aware that there will be a platform for them to air whatever they are afraid to air before in this MAKABATA Helpline. I think this is very important in one of the steps nga ginapatigayon naton para maproteksyunan ta ang kabataan. So, rest assured that the Provincial Government will always be here para sa tanan nga policies and steps nga ginahimo naton in order for us to secure and protect the future of our children,” Governor Nava said.
Governor Nava closed with a strong call for unity: “Tanan kita mag-ululupod sa pagpatigayon sang tanan naton nga mga inisyatibo in order to secure… so that every child in Guimaras will live in a safe, healthy, and protected environment. So when they are protected and then they are secured, the future of Guimaras will also be secured. So proteksyunan ta gid ang kabataan ta”.
A Dedicated Platform for Child ProtectionThe MAKABATA (Mahalin, Kalingain ang mga Bata) Helpline 1383 aims to strengthen child protection mechanisms in the country by providing:
Quick Response
Monitoring
Feedback Mechanism
These functions ensure timely action on reports of abuse, exploitation, and neglect received through calls, emails, and social media platforms.
The MAKABATA Program was established under Executive Order No. 79, series of 2024, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., institutionalizing the nationwide operation of Helpline 1383 as a key government effort to safeguard children’s rights.
The Helpline operates 24/7 to address urgent concerns involving children. According to the CWC, “no child deserves to be silenced, abused, or exploited,” underscoring the importance of a platform where children and concerned individuals can seek help and protection at any time.
Ensuring a Protective Environment for Every Child
The MAKABATA Helpline coordinates with agencies, refers cases, monitors actions taken, and provides feedback to ensure comprehensive and efficient intervention. It seeks to build a society where children are protected, valued, and empowered.
Who May Report?
Child victim
Parents or guardians
Relatives
Social workers
Barangay chairpersons
Teachers or school personnel
Any individual with direct knowledge of child abuseWhat to Report?
Physical, verbal, emotional, sexual abuse
Online/cyber abuse
Exploitation
Neglect
Discrimination
Grave child rights violations in situations of armed conflict
Other related concerns.
Where to Report?
Helpline Number: 1383Mobile: 0919354 1383 (Smart) | 09158022375 (Globe)Email: makabatahelpline@cwc.gov.ph
Facebook: Makabata HelplineInstagram: @makabata_helplineClick to Call: www.cwc.gov.ph
eGov Mobile App: https://e.gov.ph