DSWD-7 care facility celebrates 29th year

CEBU, Philippines —  One of the centers and residential care facilities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 has marked its 29th anniversary through a recognition ceremony for its partners.

According to the head of Home for Girls (HFG), Social Welfare Officer III Jennifer Abastillas, one way to celebrate this milestone is to recognize those who have committed to transforming the lives of their residents over the years.

The celebration bore the theme “Transforming lives amidst challenging times” and gave importance to the shared responsibilities of various stakeholders who contributed their resources and expertise in its mandate delivery.

HFG is a residential care facility for girl children ages 7-17 who have been removed from their families due to sexual abuse and exploitation and were taken into custody by the state.

The center seeks to provide protection and rehabilitation to child victims while facilitating their early recovery and reintegration into their family and community.

DSWD-7 said that an increasing number of cases of abuse towards girl children progressed and concerns about their safety led to the establishment of the facility in 1994.

Since then, the facility’s objective has been to transform child victims into productive members of society once reintegrated into their families and communities.

Among its services are temporary residential care, group and individual counseling, therapy sessions, referral services to legal, medical, psychological, and psychiatric care, home life services, spiritual enhancement, and values development, among others.

Director for Operations Juanito Cantero said the celebration has become more meaningful because of people who has hugely contributed to the protection and welfare of girl children.

“Our partnership brought that love and care needed by these children to be whole again as they reintegrate into their communities,” he said.

DSWD-7 considers its partners as prime movers of the feat it has achieved over the years and believes the partnership will bring hope to many abused children and inspire them to continue their transformative journey. (CEBU NEWS)