THE ESTABLISHMENT of the Mahalin at Kalingain Ating mga Bata (Makabata) program will serve as a critical platform for the public to report child rights violations.

This was the statement made by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as it welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s issuance of Executive Order No. 79, which creates the Makabata Hotline 1383.

“The Commission fully supports this initiative as it enhances the State’s obligation to protect the rights and welfare of children, as mandated under Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act,” the CHR said in a statement.

“Furthermore, this initiative reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment as a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes that all actions concerning children should prioritize their best interests,” it added.

The CHR is hopeful that the establishment of the Makabata program marks a significant step toward the proper development of our children and the realization of their full potential.

It further stated that promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of children will not only prepare them for a brighter future but also contribute to the well-being and progress of their communities.

“By investing in the care and protection of our children, we are laying the foundation for a more just, compassionate, and sustainable society for generations to come,” the Commission explained.

The Makabata program is a one-stop system designed to address and monitor issues affecting children in need of special protection.

“The program has key responsibilities, such as receiving all kinds of reports related to CNSPs and referring them to the relevant agencies, including local government units and private sector partners. It also ensures the immediate safety of children in danger, protects victims, and provides psychosocial, medical, and legal assistance,” it pointed out.

“Additionally, the program facilitates age-appropriate and gender-responsive support, education, skills development, legal services, and alternative care placements for victims. The program further works on reintegrating children into their families and communities through after-care services, community support networks, and long-term monitoring to ensure continued protection and well-being,” it stressed.