The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its attached agency — the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) — have commended the bravery of individuals who come forward to speak out on abuse, especially those who do so despite the pain and stigma that often come with it.
The DSWD expressed its appreciation to Liza Soberano for openly sharing her experience with childhood trauma, noting that her story helps raise awareness on the importance of protecting children.
“Speaking up about one’s past is never easy, especially for children who have gone through painful and traumatic experiences. It’s like revisiting wounds that haven’t fully healed. That’s why we deeply respect and value those who come forward despite the difficulty. Their stories help open important conversations so that these experiences no longer define the lives of future generations of children.” DSWD spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Tuesday (August 19).
The CWC earlier released a statement praising Soberano’s courage and calling for a more vigilant and compassionate response to child abuse.
“Liza’s story reflects the painful reality that many Filipino children continue to face — growing up in environments that expose them to trauma, instability, and harm from those who are meant to nurture them,” the CWC statement read.
The Filipina-American actress, in an episode of a podcast documentary “Can I Come In?” opened up about her past. Previously unknown to many, she endured a childhood marked by instability, abuse and challenges of growing up in a broken home.
According to Liza, the experiences shaped her perspective in life and influenced her journey in the entertainment industry.
The CWC then emphasized the long-term consequences of childhood trauma, noting that children who experience violence during their formative years often carry invisible wounds into adulthood.
“No child should endure physical, emotional, or psychological suffering at the hands of their own parents or guardians. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen our protective mechanisms to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, loving, and supportive environment,” the CWC statement said.
The DSWD echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of early intervention, psychosocial support, and empowering families to create safe and nurturing homes.
“In our mission to ensure that every child grows up with their best interests protected, we recognize the vital role of parents. At the DSWD, we implement the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) to guide and support mothers and fathers as they embrace the lifelong commitment of parenthood,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
Institutionalized under Republic Act (RA) No. 11908 in 2022, the Program assists parents and parent-substitutes by providing them with knowledge and skills on parenting to be able to respond to parental duties and responsibilities on the areas of early childhood development, behavior management of younger and older children, husband-wife relationships, prevention of child abuse, health care, and other challenges of parenting.
Aside from PES, the DSWD also capacitates the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in family development sessions (FDS) on how to strengthen family ties. It is regarded as paramount to providing an enabling environment for children to grow and reach their full potential.
“The DSWD helps abuse-survivors recover by giving them full support in our centers and age-appropriate residential care facilities. We provide counseling, medical and legal assistance, and psychological services to make sure they get the care and protection they need,” the DSWD spokesperson pointed out.
The DSWD reminded the public that the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 is now available 24/7 for urgent concerns related to child abuse, neglect, and discrimination. Making the hotline operational all day was aimed at ensuring the government is within reach at any given time.
The hotline can be contacted through landline via 1383, or through mobile calls 0919-354-1383 (Smart) and 0915-802-2375 (Globe)
People may also access Makabata Helpline 1383 via Facebook and Instagram or report through the e-Gov Super App (select “child abuse”). (LSJ)
