THE provincial government of Bulacan, through its Social Welfare and Development Office, has institutionalized Makabata Helpline 1383 in a significant step toward safeguarding the welfare of the children.
Gov. Daniel Fernando who represented the province, and the Council for the Welfare of Children, represented by Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales, signed a memorandum of understanding that paved the way for this vital initiative during a flag raising ceremony on Nov. 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 10661, which declares November of every year as National Children's Month.
Its theme — 'Break the Prevalence, End the Violence: Protecting Children, Creating a Safe Philippines' — highlights 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,' said Fernando.
'By institutionalizing this helpline, we are reinforcing our dedication to ensuring that every child in Bulacan can access support and protection,' the governor added.
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 province 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 here will receive P3,000 (1st prize), P2,000 (2nd prize), P1,000 (3rd prize), and a consolation prize of P500.
The other side events of the children's month are: Sexually Healthy and Personally Empowered (SHAPE) Adolescents Training of Trainers (November 13 to 15); Zumbalilit competition at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center (November 16, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. which coincides with Fernando's State of Children's Address); Regional Children's Congress hosted by Central Luzon State University in the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija for the oathtaking of Bulacan Federation of Child Development Workers and PCPC Child Representatives (November 22); Population and Development Week (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 CY 2024, and November 29 is designated for VAW Desk 101: Understanding and Implementing RA 9262.
The 'Ngiti Mo, Sagot Namin' Free Harelip Cleft Palate Operation will start its recruitment in the first to third week of November, while the operation date will begin in 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.