(Manila, 18th) The Philippine Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) on Monday praised actress Liza Soberano for courageously sharing her experiences of violence and neglect in childhood, and used the occasion to urge society to take the problem of child abuse seriously.
In a statement, the CWC pointed out that Soberano’s experiences reveal the plight still faced by many Filipino children at home.
“No child should endure physical, emotional, or psychological harm from their parents or guardians.” The statement emphasized that this case highlights the urgent need to strengthen protection mechanisms to ensure every child grows up in a safe, caring, and supportive environment.
“No child should endure physical, emotional, or psychological harm from their parents or guardians.” The statement emphasized that this case highlights the urgent need to strengthen protection mechanisms to ensure every child grows up in a safe, caring, and supportive environment.
In a video on the YouTube channel “Can I Come In”, Soberano revealed that her upbringing was unstable and that she experienced physical and emotional abuse related to her parents’ drug problems. These experiences profoundly influenced her worldview and growth, shaping her path in her acting career.
The CWC noted that Soberano's story is a microcosm of the trauma suffered by many children in closed family environments, calling on society to pay attention and establish a stronger child protection system. Experiencing violence and neglect in childhood often causes lasting psychological trauma, with profound effects on physical and mental development.
The committee called on the public, communities, and all government departments to remain vigilant, promptly identify and handle signs of child abuse or neglect, and emphasized the importance of early intervention, psychosocial support, and allowing children to participate in decisions affecting their well-being.
As an inter-agency coordinating body for child affairs in the Philippines, the CWC stated it will continue to work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, law enforcement units, local governments, and civil society groups to ensure that child protection issues receive timely and appropriate responses.
Meanwhile, the CWC reminded the public that the “MAKABATA Hotline 1383” provides 24-hour support services for cases involving child abuse, discrimination, or neglect.