GMA Network, Davao City Government ink partnership for ‘Kean Gabriel Hotline Information Drive’

GMA Regional TV Department Officer-in-Charge Oliver Amoroso (third from left) and Davao City Mayor Hon. Sara Duterte-Carpio (second from right) led the partnership signing between GMA and Davao City.

GMA Network, through its regional arm GMA Regional TV, recently partnered with the City Government of Davao for the “Kean Gabriel Hotline Information Drive” to help strengthen the local government’s fight against child violence.

Present during the partnership signing last June 30, 2017 were GMA Regional TV Department Officer-in-Charge Oliver Amoroso, Davao City Mayor Hon. Sara Duterte-Carpio, GMA TV Davao Station Manager Mariles Puentevella, Davao City Information Officer Jefry Tupas, and Davao City Social Services and Development Office Head Marilou Bermudo.

The Kean Gabriel Hotline is a brainchild of Mayor Sara Duterte in memory of Kean Gabriel Agustin, a four-year-old child who died of abuse at the hands of his guardian last August 2016. The said tragedy exposed the violence, neglect, and possible death children in Davao City face under those who are supposed to keep them safe.

By calling or texting the number 0908-818-4444, the ‘Kean Gabriel Hotline’ encourages the public to report cases of child abuse and neglect to the authorities. Since its launch in 2016, the 24/7 hotline has already received 84 reports and was able to rescue 61 children.

Amoroso has lauded the initiative of the Davao City government for creating a hotline that caters to child abuse reports.

“We congratulate Mayor Inday Sara for creating the Kean Gabriel Hotline and for paving the way for the public to be more vigilant against child neglect and abuse,” says Amoroso. “We are also honored that Mayor chose GMA Davao as the first local station to have this partnership. GMA fully supports any initiative that protects and upholds the rights of a child,” he adds.

“Through this partnership, we aim to help the City Government of Davao communicate to the public the importance of the community's involvement in protecting our children,” shares Puentevella. “All of us are responsible in ensuring that our children grow up in an environment that is conducive to their well-being.” she says.