Liza Soberano commended by DSWD, CWC for speaking out against child abuse
Warning: This story contains mentions of abuse
The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Council for the Welfare of Children commended Liza Soberano for speaking out against child abuse. The actress and advocate shared her own traumatic experiences with her biological and foster parents, calling for stronger action to protect children.
In a statement, the DSWD said Soberano's bravery "helps raise awareness on the importance of protecting children."
"Speaking up about one’s past is never easy, especially for children who have gone through painful and traumatic experiences. It’s like revisiting wounds that haven’t fully healed," DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.
"That’s why we deeply respect and value those who come forward despite the difficulty. Their stories help open important conversations so that these experiences no longer define the lives of future generations of children," she added.
According to the agency, it's crucial to have "early intervention, psychosocial support, and empowering families" to create safe and nurturing homes.
The CWC also issued a statement commending Soberano, highlighting how her story "reflects the painful reality that many Filipino children continue to face—growing up in environments that expose them to trauma, instability, and harm from those who are meant to nurture them."
"No child should endure physical, emotional, or psychological suffering at the hands of their own parents or guardians. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen our protective mechanisms to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, loving, and supportive environment," they stated.
The agency explained that childhood trauma caused by parental abuse or neglect has long-term consequences on a child's development and mental health.
"Children who experience violence during their formative years often carry invisible wounds into adulthood. Thus, every report of abuse is not only a violation of rights, but is also an emergency that demands a holistic and immediate response," CWC said.
They called on all sectors of society to remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing signs of child abuse and neglect.
To combat child abuse, the DSWD has implemented the Parent Effectiveness Service program to assist parents and parent substitutes by providing them with knowledge and skills on parenting to be able to respond to parental duties and responsibilities in the areas of early childhood development, prevention of child abuse, and more.
"The DSWD helps abuse-survivors recover by giving them full support in our centers and age-appropriate residential care facilities. We provide counseling, medical and legal assistance, and psychological services to make sure they get the care and protection they need," Dumlao said.
In a recent episode of the Can I Come In? podcast, Soberano recounted how her biological mother, Jacqueline, had a "bad addiction" to crystal meth. Her biological father, John, meanwhile, was arrested for trespassing into the home of a past girlfriend with whom he had a child.
Jacqueline's addiction then got worse while she was pregnant with Soberano's little brother. She was ultimately arrested along with her new boyfriend following a violent fight.
Soberano and her brother subsequently went into foster care, but things didn't get better as she said her foster parent, Melissa, allegedly began abusing her and treating her as the "family dog."
The episode was the first time Soberano publicly shared details about the trauma she experienced as a child.
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For urgent concerns related to child abuse, discrimination, or neglect, the MAKABATA Helpline 1383 continues to provide support 24/7. You can also reach out to them through mobile via Smart (919-354-1383) or Globe (0915-802-2375). You can also report through the e-gov super app of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (select "child abuse").