CWC Engages Youth Leaders at SIKLAB 2026, Promotes Child Protection and MAKABATA Helpline 1383
España, Manila, 28 March 2026 – Youth leaders and advocates from various academic institutions and organizations gathered at SIKLAB 2026: Advocacy Summit, where the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), through its Project Management Office (PMO), reaffirmed its strong commitment to advancing children’s rights and protection. The summit energized young changemakers, positioning them at the forefront of efforts to create safer and more inclusive spaces for every child.
Organized by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Volunteers for UNICEF, the summit served as a dynamic platform for meaningful dialogue on pressing development issues, including children’s rights, human rights, environmental protection, women’s rights, and youth volunteerism. It underscored the powerful role of the youth not only as participants, but as leaders and catalysts of change in nation-building and advocacy.
The event brought together student leaders and representatives from Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), Far Eastern University (FEU), Far Eastern University Biological Society (BioSoc), Kapwa (a UPLB-based organization), Philippine Normal University’s Clubs for UNESCO, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), University of Santo Tomas Volunteers for UNICEF, and the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Youth-led groups and non-government organizations, including UN SDSN Youth Philippines, ACAP, New Faith Family, ChildHope Foundation, and River Valley Irregulars, further enriched the discussions through diverse perspectives and shared advocacy experiences.
A key highlight of the summit was the keynote address delivered by CWC Executive Director V, Usec. Angelo M. Tapales, who emphasized that children are rights-holders whose voices must be heard and protected. He called for a whole-of-society approach in addressing urgent issues affecting Filipino children, such as online sexual abuse and exploitation, adolescent pregnancy, child trafficking, and other socio-economic challenges. His message reinforced the collective responsibility of institutions and communities to uphold and safeguard the rights and well-being of every child.
CWC also strengthened its outreach through the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 booth, which provided an accessible and interactive space for participants to learn about child protection and reporting mechanisms. Highlighted as the government’s central 24/7 referral system, the helpline offers vital access to social services, legal assistance, counseling, and other protective interventions. The initiative, alongside the strong collaboration among government, academic institutions, and youth organizations, reflects CWC’s continuing commitment to empowering communities and ensuring that more children are informed, protected, and given the opportunity to thrive.
Change begins with action—join the movement and help build a nation where every child is safe, valued, and empowered.
Basta Bata, Tayo ang Bahala!
