Children across the country who are suffering from bullying, violence, or mental health issues now have a number to call: 1383

“The Makabata Helpline 1383 will help address all concerns of children from cases of bullying, violence against children, rape, and mental health concerns. Instead of them thinking where they should call, they could just remember 1383,” said Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, in a recent segment on Makabata Teleradyo.

In case you missed the Makabata Teleradyo, here’s the link: https://fb.watch/qPBaiclbuM/

Launched in 2023 as a flagship program of the CWC, the helpline is a platform where everyone can report any cases and issues relating to children. The CWC, on the other hand, is the government inter-agency body that ensures a child-friendly and child-sensitive society.

Tapales also issued a stern caution to individuals perpetrating physical and emotional abuse against women, particularly young girls. 

Proclamation No. 759, issued on March 6, 1996, declares the fourth week of March as Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week. This emphasizes the need to provide equal opportunities and proper protection to all girls under the age of 18 to prepare them for roles in community development.

“Ang mga babae ay dapat pahalagahan, i-acknowledge, suportahan, igalang at mahalin,” he added.

By simply dialing 1383 from either their landlines or mobile phones, callers are connected to the specialized hotline team at the CWC. This simplified strategy speeds up referrals and interventions, particularly for children who have been abused or exploited, guaranteeing better access to help and support.

Furthermore, individuals can also reach out through the Makabata Helpline Facebook Messenger, expanding the avenues for seeking help and guidance.Girls, due to their gender and age, are usually placed in an unusual circumstance that makes them more vulnerable to

discrimination and abuse. (Women's Legal and Human Rights Bureau, 2023). Violence against women is an alarming issue in the Philippines. According to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in 2022, 17.5 percent of Filipino women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence from their partners. In 2021, there were 8,399 documented incidents of physical violence, 1,791 rapes, and 1,505 indecent acts.

Did you know that bodily autonomy is a key factor in empowering women to achieve equality?

According to the CWC, bodily autonomy is defined as having control over your own body. It is a fundamental right to control what happens to your body, allowing you to decide how you feel physically.

- Use the right terms for body parts
Help children learn the correct names for their body parts. This not only makes children feel more independent, but it also helps professionals when the child wants to talk about anything that's happened to them.

- Practice respecting boundaries and getting consent
Parents might tell children to kiss or hug their uncles and aunts. Allow your child to decide whether or not they are comfortable with this touch. Stress that if a child says "no," even to adults, their decision should be respected and not forced. 

In recent years, the Philippine government has implemented several important laws aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and eradicating traditional and cultural practices that promote discrimination, abuse, and exploitation:

1. Republic Act (RA) No. 11596, An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof.
2. R.A. 11930,  The Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials (CSAEM) Act.
3. R.A. 11862, the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
4. R.A. 11648, referred to as An Act Providing for Stronger Protection Against Rape and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Increasing the Age for Determining the Commission of Statutory Rape.

Let us work together with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) to raise awareness during 2024 Girl Child Week, March 16-22. Our theme, "Abante, Batang Babae: Labanan ang Karahasan!" encourages us to move forward and end violence. Together, we can make a difference and give all girls, as well as Filipino children, a safer, brighter future. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)