Quezon City, 05 August 2026 – The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare, Inc. (PNGOC) strengthened their commitment to child protection through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at expanding the reach of MAKABATA Helpline 1383, the country’s central reporting system for all Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP) issues and concerns.

The MOU was signed by Usec. Angelo M. Tapales, Executive Director V of CWC, and Ms. Maricar Laigo Vallido, Executive Director of PNGOC, on 05 August 2026 at the CWC Ugnayan Conference Room. The agreement provides a framework for both organizations to promote MAKABATA Helpline 1383 and collaborate on child protection, adolescent health, policy advocacy, and community-based initiatives.

During the discussion, Usec. Tapales emphasized the importance of partnerships in expanding the reach of MAKABATA Helpline 1383, particularly at the community level. He thanked PNGOC for joining CWC in strengthening networks that can help children and families access appropriate reporting and referral mechanisms. The Helpline’s role as the country’s central reporting mechanism for children in need of special protection was institutionalized through Executive Order No. 79, s. 2024.

The partnership will also explore joint advocacy initiatives, including the development of co-branded IEC materials and the participation of PNGOC and its services in CWC activities such as the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 Regional Rollout and advocacy caravans.

Through the MOU, CWC and PNGOC reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening community-based child protection and advancing a whole-of-society approach to protecting Filipino children.

As Ms. Vallido emphasized, “We cannot be a strong nation if we do not have strong children.”

“This partnership between the Council for the Welfare of Children and the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare reflects our shared commitment to protecting Filipino children through stronger community engagement, coordinated referral systems, and collaborative health and development initiatives. By expanding the reach of MAKABATA Helpline 1383 through PNGOC’s nationwide network, we are making child protection services more accessible and advancing a whole-of-society approach to safeguarding every child,” – Usec. Tapales said.

For her part, Ms. Vallido expressed PNGOC’s appreciation for the partnership and highlighted the organization’s Philippine National Clubfoot Program, which assists children who may have difficulty accessing specialized care. She noted that MAKABATA Helpline 1383 may serve as an avenue for reporting and appropriate referral, particularly for children and families who may otherwise remain unreached.

PNGOC also expressed its willingness to support the dissemination of MAKABATA Helpline 1383 IEC materials through its network of hospitals, community-based organizations, and other partners, including through regionalized materials for communities and transport terminals.