MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has authorized the creation of a one-stop system aimed at safeguarding children from all forms of abuse.

Marcos has signed Executive Order 79, establishing the Mahalin at Kalingain ating mga Bata (MAKABATA) Program and institutionalizing the 24/7 MAKABATA Helpline 1383. 

The directive, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on December 6 but only made available to the press Tuesday, aims to address issues concerning children in need of special protection (CNSPs).

The program introduces a one-stop system for reporting, rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration services for vulnerable children. It defines CNSPs as individuals under 18 years old, or adults unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental conditions, who face abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other threats to their well-being. This includes victims of child labor, online sexual abuse and exploitation, trafficking, and children in conflict with the law, among others.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will spearhead the implementation of the program, with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) acting as the coordinating and monitoring body.

The order also formalizes the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 as a dedicated hotline for reporting concerns and seeking assistance, operating 24 hours a day.

“All concerns received through any of the communication platforms of the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 shall be immediately acted upon or referred, directly or indirectly, to concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, including LGUs and private sector partners, for appropriate action and/or intervention,”  the order said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported 18,756 cases of violence against children as of October 2023, reflecting a persistent issue despite a slight decline from previous years.

Data from the PNP Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Division and Children Protection Center showed that child abuse accounted for the majority of cases, with 7,933 incidents. This was followed by 7,262 cases of rape and 2,049 cases of acts of lasciviousness.

While the numbers are lower than the 19,101 cases reported in 2022 and 19,656 in 2021, Police Major Meriel Editha Reyes, assistant chief of the division, emphasized that the figures remain troubling and highlight the urgency of intensifying efforts to protect children.

“Hindi kami natutuwa na ganito kataas ang datos na nage-generate namin. Sana for 2024 ay bumaba ang cases dahil marami ang effort ng bawat ahensiya upang mawakasan ang karahasan sa mga bata,” Reyes said.