Bantay Bata (Child Watch)

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In the early 1990s, as the ABS CBN Broadcasting Company was regaining its foothold as a premier media company in the Philippines, its viewers and listeners began making frequent on-air requests for medical and financial assistance (known in Filipino as, “panawagans”), which the company sent on to relevant government and non-government agencies and foundations. Later on, through its own resources, the ABS CBN network took on and responded to these requests as well and soon, the ABS CBN Foundation was born.

Initially, the Foundation responded to a wide variety of requests, but it became apparent not long after, that a large number of the panawagans involved child abuse. Disturbed by this alarming development, the founder and Managing Director of the ABS CBN Foundation, Ms. Gina Lopez, launched Bantay Bata on Valentine’s Day in 1997 and it has since become the national gift of love for the rescue and care of abused and abandoned Filipino children.

Beginning operations a decade ago in a little cubicle inside the ABS CBN network offices, Bantay Bata has since grown into a nationwide rescue and child welfare program which includes the popular 24/7 hotline number, 163, and The Children’s Village, a transitional shelter for the most extreme cases of child abuse, neglect and illness. Located in Norzagaray, Bulacan, approximately 30 miles (48 km.) northeast of Metropolitan Manila, the Children’s Village is where the children with extreme cases receive appropriate care and healing in a special community.

Aside from rescuing and caring for the sick and abused, Bantay Bata also provides rehabilitation for the children until such time that they may be reunited and reintegrated back with their families and society. The program also extends training and advocacy to educate communities on the prevention of abuse, the administration of proper nutrition and the application of sustainable livelihood which are essential in the development and growth of the children.

To know more about Bantay Bata and its current activities in the Philippines, please visit the program’s site: www.bantaybata163.com

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