CWC, Province of Palawan Strengthen Partnership to Advance Child Protection Through MAKABATA Helpline 1383
Puerto Princesa City, 06 July 2026 — The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and the Provincial Government of Palawan formalized their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 06 July 2026, The agreement reinforced their shared commitment to making child protection reporting and referral services more accessible to children and families across the province.
Signed by Usec. Angelo M. Tapales, Executive Director V of the CWC, and Governor Amy Roa Alvarez, the agreement establishes a framework for promoting MAKABATA Helpline 1383, the country’s central reporting mechanism for Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP), while strengthening local reporting, referral, and advocacy initiatives.
The partnership supports the implementation of Executive Order No. 79, s. 2024, which institutionalized MAKABATA Helpline 1383 and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing an accessible and coordinated reporting mechanism for children who are victims of abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, trafficking, and other child protection concerns.
Prior to the ceremonial signing, Atty. David John S. Vergara, Project Development Officer IV of the CWC Project Management Office, presented an overview of MAKABATA Helpline 1383, highlighting its legal basis, reporting channels, referral mechanisms, and the complementary roles of national government agencies and local government units in ensuring that reports are promptly acted upon and referred to appropriate service providers.
In his inspirational message, Usec. Tapales reflected on the journey of MAKABATA Helpline 1383—from its humble beginnings to its institutionalization through Executive Order No. 79, s. 2024, describing it as a defining milestone in strengthening the country’s child protection reporting system. He shared that the increasing number of reports received through the Helpline may be attributed to the growing public awareness fostered by the Council’s sustained advocacy efforts and the continued support of its partner agencies, local government units, and development partners. He emphasized that every partnership enhances the country’s collective capacity to protect children by bringing reporting and referral services closer to communities.
Governor Amy Roa Alvarez welcomed the partnership and reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to safeguarding children across Palawan. She underscored the importance of early intervention in cases of child abuse, noting that timely reporting and response are essential in preventing children from experiencing prolonged abuse and exploitation. She likewise encouraged provincial offices and partner agencies to actively promote MAKABATA Helpline 1383, particularly within schools and local communities, to ensure that children, parents, and educators know where to seek help when child protection concerns arise.
The activity also featured the introduction and formal launch of the Dasig Tabang Project, a provincial initiative whose name means “Swift Help.” The initiative complements the objectives of MAKABATA Helpline 1383 as an efficient reporting mechanism to report child protection concerns and promoting local participation in protecting children through timely reporting and coordinated intervention.
Representatives from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Department of Education – Schools Division of Palawan, Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office MIMAROPA, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice – Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Palawan Provincial Police Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Gender and Development Office, and other partner agencies witnessed the signing, reflecting a whole-of-government approach to advancing child protection in the province.
As part of the official engagement, the CWC delegation also visited the Bahay Pag-asa Youth Center and the Lualhati Women’s Center on 07 July 2026. Facilitated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, the learning visits provided the delegation with a better understanding of the Province’s child protection interventions. These included rehabilitation services for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL), psychosocial support, temporary residential care, survivor-centered interventions, and family reintegration programs. The visits underscored the importance of responsive local institutions and coordinated referral systems in ensuring that children reported through MAKABATA Helpline 1383 receive timely and appropriate care.
The partnership between the Council for the Welfare of Children and the Provincial Government of Palawan reflects a shared commitment to translating national child protection policies into concrete local action. Through sustained collaboration, strengthened referral systems, and community-based advocacy, both institutions aim to ensure that more children and families across Palawan have access to responsive protection services and the support they need to uphold every child’s rights and well-being.
