On January 22, 2026, the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC), through its child rights desk, Adhikain Para sa Karapatang Pambata (AKAP), officially signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). This partnership is dedicated to the promotion of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383.

Present during the ceremonial signing were: Usec. Angelo M. Tapales, Executive Director V, CWC; Atty. David John S. Vergara, Project Development Officer IV, Project Management Office (PMO); Atty. Nicolene S. Arcaina, Executive Director, AHRC; Ms. Christine Claire D. Laison, Child Rights Desk Director, AHRC; Timothy Orogo, Program Officer, AHRC; Ma. Erlinda Aguila, Planning Officer III and Head, PMO; Roanna Cathrice B. Cabalonga, Project Development Officer III, PMO; and Meanard M. Ilagan, Project Development Officer II, PMO.

Recent data from the Situation of Children Platform highlights that violence against children persists and exists in different settings, such as the home, school, community, and even online spaces. Perpetrators of violence against children are mostly individuals they know and trust. Despite the risks, survivors still face barriers to reporting abuse and violence.

This collaborative undertaking is designed to break the barriers in reporting through advocacy and capacity building, child rights awareness, and paralegal training.

Atty. Arcaina stressed that an effective child protection system involves the availability of child protection referral systems in which the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 aims to achieve and respond, and hopes to increase help-seeking behaviors of survivors.

Usec. Tapales expressed his gratitude to AHRC, noting that the partnership to support and integrate the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 into AHRC’s advocacy campaign materials to reach more vulnerable children, and reinforce strengthening child protection systems.

#EndViolenceAgainstChildren #ChildrenMatterNow #ProtectChildren #EmpowerChildrenToReport #MAKABATA1383