The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is tasked to protect and promote the rights and well-being of every Filipino, especially those who are abused, neglected, or abandoned. Among these are women and children who are victim-survivors of domestic violence, exploitation, and trafficking.
As part of this mandate — regional, provincial, and city/municipal governments also play a role. In Oriental Mindoro, for instance, the provincial government has established a crisis center for women and children: Bahay Kanlungan. In this article, let us learn more about this facility and its vital role in the local community.
What is Bahay Kanlungan?
Established in 2008 by the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro, Bahay Kanlungan is a crisis center for women and children. It serves as a rehabilitation facility that provides protective and rehabilitative services to women, children (including infants and youth) who have been abandoned, neglected, or are victim-survivors of domestic violence, rape, incest, trafficking, exploitation, and other similar cases.
At Bahay Kanlungan, residents are provided basic services such as food, clothing, and shelter. They are also given the necessary support and services they need to recover from trauma and abuse. At any given time, it can accommodate around 40 residents.
The center is managed by the Family Welfare Services Division of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), under the leadership of Sarah Magboo, PSWD Officer.
Programs and Services
As mentioned earlier, Bahay Kanlungan provides different types of services to it residents. These include basic services, health and medical services, psychosocial services, legal assistance, and more.
Basic Services. The center serves as a temporary shelter for women and children in crisis. Here, they are provided food, clothing, and other basic needs.
Health and Medical Services. The health and physical condition of each resident is checked. When necessary, they are given medicines and other health treatment, depending on their condition.
Psychosocial Services. These include counseling, support groups, and other services that can help the residents overcome their ordeal. The main goal is for them to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally, so that they can fully recover and become stronger.
Legal Assistance. In some cases, charges are filed against the victims’ abusers or perpetrators. Legal assistance is provided in such cases, to ensure that justice is served.
Through all of these services, the Bahay Kanlungan aims not only to provide basic care and protection, but also to ensure that the residents regain their self-esteem, confidence, and rediscover their talents, skills, and potential. By the end of their stay, some clients get reintegrated with their families and communities. Meanwhile, others are prepared and equipped for independent living.
Latest Updates
Children’s Party at Bahay Kanlungan
Earlier this year, Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor and his wife, Mrs. Hiyas Dolor, celebrated a special event at Bahay Kanlungan. Based on a Facebook post by Provincial Information Office – Mindoro, the couple held a “Children’s Party” at the center on February 21, 2024.
“Alam ninyong lahat na kung meron isang pinapahalagahan kaming mag-asawa, yon ay ang Bahay Kanlungan. Para namin kayong anak lahat o parang kapatid namin na minamahal at patuloy na mamahalin (All of you known that if there is one thing that’s important to me and my wife, that’s Bahay Kanlungan. For us, you are like our own children or siblings that we love and shall continue to love),” the Governer said in his special message at the party.
The Governer added that while he is in office and even after that, he and his wife will continue to help support the center. According to him, they are happy to give hope and inspiration to the people of Bahay Kanlungan.
Moreover, since Valentine’s Day had just ended, the Governer and his wife gave balloons and flowers to all of the children at the center. At the same time, cakes were given to four people who celebrated their birthdays in February.
Inauguration of New BK Building
Meanwhile, on April 27, 2024, the new Bahay Kanlungan building, located at Barangay Ilaya, Calapan City, was inaugurated. Based on a Facebook post, the event coincided with the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the center.
Governor “Bonz” Dolor, together with Board Member Fay Ilano, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new, two-storey building, which cost around PHP 8 million to build.
The governor stated that the Provincial Government is always seeking to provide the best facility for the children under the care of Bahay Kanlungan. He also thanked partners and stakeholders for their support in protecting the rights and welfare of the facility’s residents.
Support for Bahay Kanlungan
From time to time, various groups, including non-government organizations (NGOs) and private companies, extend their support to Bahay Kanlungan. One such group is the “Ambagan Para sa Bahay Kanlungan,” a fund-raising initiative of a group of students from the University of the Philippines Diliman.
As part of their Project Management course, the group held a “Bingo Game Night” to raise funds. They were able to raise PHP 10,000 worth of monetary donations. The amount was turned over to Bahay Kanlungan on June 3, 2024, as stated on the Facebook page of Ambagan Para sa Bahay Kanlungan.
Video: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and House Blessing
As mentioned earlier, the new Bahay Kanlungan building was inaugurated on April 27, 2024. The following video, shared by the Facebook page of Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor, features the ribbon-cutting ceremony and house blessing held during the event:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions and answers about Bahay Kanlungan:
1. What is Bahay Kanlungan?
Bahay Kanlungan is a crisis center for women and children. It is located in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.
2. Who are its target clients?
The target clients of Bahay Kanlungan are women and children who have been abandoned, neglected, or are victim-survivors of abuse, trafficking, exploitation, and gender-based violence.
3. Who manages Bahay Kanlungan?
Bahay Kanlungan is managed by the Family Welfare Services Division of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Oriental Mindoro.
4. What are its programs and services?
The center’s services include: basic services, health and medical services, psychosocial services, legal assistance, and other services.
5 How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about Bahay Kanlungan by visiting the facility or by getting in touch with them through phone or email.
Contact Information: Bahay Kanlungan
Address: Barangay Ilaya, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
Telephone: (043) 288-7370 / 288-7373
Email: bahaykanlungan_ormin@yahoo.com / pswdo_ormindoro@yahoo.com.gov.ph
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Thanks to Bahay Kanlungan, women and children in Oriental Mindoro who are victim-survivors of abuse, violence, or trafficking would have a place to go. Here, they can receive the protective and rehabilitative services they need to heal and make a full recovery.
Elsewhere, in Pampanga, there’s a facility that provides the same type of services: Mabalacat City Drop-In Center (MCDIC), which is also known as “Purple House.” Check out this article to read all about it!