VICE President Sara Duterte commended the dedicated efforts of the social workers behind the Kean Gabriel Hotline, an initiative of the Davao City government aimed at curbing child abuse within the community.
Duterte praised their relentless commitment to this cause during the 26th National Convention and General Assembly of the Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines (ALSWDOPI) held on Tuesday, August 15, at the SMX Convention Center.
Speaking at the event, Duterte highlighted the crucial role of the Kean Gabriel Hotline, which operates around the clock, staffed by vigilant social workers who respond to calls and messages, addressing issues related to child abuse.
These dedicated professionals, in collaboration with the child protection officers of the police, engage in rescue operations and process vital information to counteract potential child abuse cases.
"And behind the hotline are social workers. They receive and process information about possible child abuse and, together with the child protection officers of the police, conduct rescue operations," Duterte said. "And I must say that without the help and dedication of the social workers and their hearts for abused victims, we could have failed Kean Gabriel once again."
The inception of the hotline dates back to Duterte's tenure as city mayor. Named after Kean Gabriel, a child who tragically lost his life due to abuse, the hotline's establishment 2016 has significantly contributed to the city's commendable record of no recorded child deaths caused by abuse.
Duterte also appreciated social workers' unwavering commitment to social justice, commending them as "foot soldiers for social change." She praised their hard work, resilience, and sacrifices, acknowledging their vital role in fostering positive community transformation.
“Sumasaludo po ako sa inyo — kagaya ng pagsaludo ko sa iba pang mga sektor na nagsasakripisyo at nagbubuwis ng kanilang buhay para mapagsilbihan ang kapwa Pilipino at matulungan ang mga komunidad na malampasan ang ano mang krisis (I extend my salute to you — in the same way that I salute other sectors who sacrifice and dedicate their lives to serve fellow Filipinos and aid communities in overcoming any crisis),” Duterte said.
“Karapat-dapat lang na tingnan at pag-aralan ang inyong buhay at propesyon at pamarisan ang lalim ng pagmamahal ninyo sa inyong kapwa at sa inyong bayan. Gusto ko pong ipaalam sa inyo na mataas ang respeto ko sa inyo at sa inyong ginagawa (It is only worthy to look and study your life and profession and see the depth of your love for your neighbor and your country. I want to let you know that I have a lot of respect for you and what you do),” she added.
Duterte underscored the indispensable role of social workers during calamities, emphasizing their involvement in community response efforts, search and rescue operations, and providing vital trauma healing to victims of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
Approximately 2,000 social welfare workers from across the nation participated in the convention. RGL