Charles Teves
Due to the denial of ABS-CBN’s bid for a franchise renewal, Bantay Bata 163 will no longer be able to grant scholarships to children and will be halting its medical assistance program, as issued in a statement by the management committee of ABS-CBN Foundation.
Bantay Bata was founded by the late Gina Lopez in 1997 with the main purpose “to provide social services to disadvantaged children.”
In a recent interview with TV Patrol, Bantay Bata 163 Program Director Jing Castañeda expressed concern when talking about the unfortunate impact on the social welfare program’s services.
“Yung mga sumusulat sa atin na humihingi ng scholarship, tinurn down na namin,” said Castañeda.
“…talagang mabigat sa puso, nakakaiyak na,” she added.
However, the program’s hotline will remain open for distressed children and for reports on child abuse. The hotline will continue providing psycho-social support and psychological first-aid for children in need of them.
The Bantay Bata Children’s Village and its partners will carry on with taking care of abandoned and street children in its custody and will persistently support all Bantay Edukasyon scholars this school year as well.
“Yung ating Children’s Village, na kung saan kinukupkop natin yung mga batang nangangailangan at mga biktima ng pang aabuso ay tuloy tuloy dahil sa tulong ng Quezon City government, sila kasi ang nagpopondo doon.
“We have more than three hundred scholars, paninindigan natin yun,” Castañeda said.
https://www.facebook.com/abscbnfoundationinc/photos/a.161815070541628/3224971947559243/?type=3
Bantay Kalikasan on the other hand, “will continue to protect, enrich, and manage operations of the La Mesa Watershed and La Mesa Ecopark. It remains committed to the completion of ongoing community and area development projects that it has already started. Environmental advocacy being more relevant now will continue through the various digital platforms of the foundation.”
Sagip Kapamilya will also continue to be at the forefront of Pantawid ng Pag-ibig, which as of July 13 has benefitted 840,000 families or over 4.2 million Filipinos. It will continue to distribute relief and food packs for those unable to work due to the ongoing quarantine.
“The ABS-CBN Foundation remains faithful to its mission. We will continue to serve whatever it takes, for as long as we can,” the statement said.
“To all our partners and donors, we thank you for your valuing our work for over three decades. Together we have made a difference in the lives of millions. We find comfort in your words of support, and strength in your continued trust. Be assured that the ABS-CBN Foundation will remain as the foundation of the people and shall remain in the service of the Filipino,” the statement concluded.
