Bantay Bata 163 (BB 163) is the childcare program of the ABS CBN Foundation. It started in 1997 – on Valentines Day as our gift of love to the Filipino children. What began as a hotline and rescue operation has evolved into a truly holistic system which includes therapy, after care and preventive programs.

BB 163 has the following core services:

• Direct Child Protective Services
• Residential Services
• Community and Family Support Services

Bantay Bata also aims to respond to child abuse cases all over the Philippines. In August 2000, it established its first provincial base in Davao. Through the support of the ABS-CBN Regional Network Group, Cebu and Iloilo offices were launched in January 2005a A centralized national call center was established in July 2005. Plans are underway to open offices in Bacolod, Bicol and Baguio. BB 163 also shares its expertise with the world as Child Helpline International’s taskforce chairman for the Asia Pacific region and as a member of the International Social Service.