Quezon City, Philippines | 28 January 2026 — The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing child protection, advocacy, and policy and legal support initiatives.

The ceremonial signing was led by Undersecretary Angelo Tapales and was attended by key officials and representatives from both institutions, including Atty. Nicolene S. Arcaina, Executive Director of AHRC; Ms. Christine Claire D. Laison, Child Rights Director of AHRC; Ms. Ma. Erlinda N. Aguila, Head of the CWC Project Management Office; and Atty. David John S. Vergara, Project Development Officer IV and Head of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383. 

Discussions during the event highlighted the increasing utilization of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383, reflecting growing public awareness and trust in the Helpline as a primary reporting and referral mechanism for Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP). The Helpline, institutionalized under Executive Order No. 79, series of 2024, serves to complement existing helplines and hotlines to strengthen coordination within the national child protection system.

The MOU outlines areas of collaboration including advocacy and capacity building, child rights education, legal advisory support, and policy and research engagement. Through this partnership, CWC and AHRC aim to maximize existing mandates, strengthen institutional coordination, promote child participation, and contribute to a more responsive and effective child protection system.

CAPTIONS

1. (In photo, from left to right): Meanard M. Ilagan, Project Development Officer II, PMO;
   Roanna Cathrice B. Cabalonga, Project Development Officer III, PMO; Ma. Erlinda
   Aguila, Planning Officer III and Head, PMO; Atty. David John S. Vergara, Project
   Development Officer IV, PMO; Usec. Angelo M. Tapales, Executive Director V, Council
   for the Welfare of Children (CWC); Atty. Nicolene S. Arcaina, Executive Director, Ateneo
   Human Rights Center (AHRC); Ms. Christine Claire D. Laison, Child Rights Director,
   AHRC; and Timothy Orogo, Program Officer, AHRC.
2. (In photo, from left to right): Ma. Erlinda Aguila, Planning Officer III and Head, PMO; Atty.
   David John S. Vergara, Project Development Officer IV, PMO; Usec. Angelo M. Tapales,
   Executive Director V, Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC); Atty. Nicolene S.
   Arcaina, Executive Director, Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC); Ms. Christine Claire
   D. Laison, Child Rights Director, AHRC; and Timothy Orogo, Program Officer, AHRC.