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Bantay Bata 163
An immediate response to the growing cases of child abuse of any
form, the Bantay Bata 163 hotline was initiated by the ABS-CBN
Foundation. Children in distress could call up the 163 hotline
number and they will be provided response in accord to their needs.
There are eight counselors who work in regular shifts who have gone
through intensive training and development to provide the
appropriate response to such calls. An adjunct establishment is the
well-equipped Crisis Center which is a temporary home for children
in distress who have yet to be transferred to an appropriate child
caring institution. Well-trained social workers and psychologists
also provide short-term psychological rehabilitation. Once an
appropriate institution is found, the child is arranged for
transfer to a long-term rehabilitation. There are also what they
call the "walk-in days' where medical, financial and other concerns
are tackled.
In line with their vision and mission to "create a better world
for our children...now and in the future," and ABS-CBN’s
"position as a media-based organization gives them the distinct
capacity to inform, educate and mobilize resources in our efforts
to rescue and rehabilitate children-in-crisis," Bantay Bata has
other activities which, in turn, involve the Philippine society in
their mission.
The coinbank, "Barya Mo, Buhay Ko" ("Your coin, My Life"),
encourages privileged children (adults too!) to learn the value of
saving and contributing for a cause and that even the mere donation
of a few coins added to the meager contribution of others could
make a big difference in the lives of children in distress. All the
used cans are being recycled for seedlings to be planted in. Being
child and earth savers all at the same time, sparing coins has
never been this worthwhile before!
To reach out to more people willing to help, direct mailing
packages are also distributed. These packages contain options on
how one could help and data of where their help is benefited from
the most.
Barangay visits are being done to monitor, follow-up and keep in
touch with children who have been successfully rehabilitated.
Outreach programs are also organized to extend help to children not
particularly distressed by any abuse but distressed by the
injustices of poverty. Examples of Bantay Bata's outreach programs
are Medical Mission, Seminar on Family Life, and the distribution
of goodies.
Contact Information:
ABS-CBN Foundation, Bantay Bata 163
http://www.abs-cbn.com
Email:
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