The Bantay Bata Childrens Village will relaunch this year with better facilities and an enhanced programLove, care and hope for a new beginning await more children with the relaunch of the Bantay Bata 163 Children’s Village this year.

Bantay Bata 163’s halfway house for rescued children has served as a home for over a thousand young Filipinos since 2003. With its improved facilities and enhanced program, Children’s Village is more equipped to help victims of child abuse become resilient and empowered members of the community.

“Through the kindness of our donors and partner organizations such as the local government of Quezon City, Bantay Bata 163 is now able to provide a better home for children who have suffered from different forms of abuse and are in need of love and care to move forward in their lives,” said Jing Castañeda-Velasco, Bantay Bata 163 program director.

Castañeda-Velasco said Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan can house and provide holistic healing for at least 120 children in a structured, therapeutic family-like environment. Social workers, health care professionals and house parents will look after the children in the complex.

Bantay Bata 163 will also equip older children with necessary life skills in preparation for their reintegration into society. Values formation support will be given to parents and families of the abused children.

As Bantay Bata 163 celebrates its 21st anniversary this year, Castañeda-Velasco said the ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc. child welfare and protection program will continue to evolve as it remains the the service of the Filipino children. 

“Aside from maintaining our core services in protecting children at risk and disadvantaged through a nationwide network of social services and our Children’s Village, Bantay Bata 163 is also gearing towards protecting the country’s future generation from online abuse and exploitation,” she said.

Through capacity-building programs aimed at educating community leaders on abuse and the intrinsic rights of a child online and in the real world, it empowers citizens to become game changers in the fight for children’s rights.