Have you ever heard of the Elsie Gaches Village (EGV)? It is one of the Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It caters to persons with mental impairments, specifically those who have been abandoned or neglected by their families and communities.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Elsie Gaches Village — its vision and mission, target clients, programs, services, and other details. Keep on reading to learn more about this facility!
What is Elsie Gaches Village?
As mentioned earlier, the Elsie Gaches Village or EGV is a residential care facility for persons with intellectual/mental impairments who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused, by their own families and communities.
Located in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, the facility falls under the DSWD-NCR. It provides care and rehabilitation to persons with special needs, including those who have autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, hearing impairment, mental retardation, visual impairment, or other related conditions. EGV receives funding through government subsidy as well as private donations.
Brief History
The history of EGV goes way back, to 1917, when Republic Act No. 2671 was approved — an act that established the first government orphanage at the Welfareville Compound in Mandaluyong City. In 1934, upon the approval of Commonwealth Act No. 4158 (which involved the construction of buildings in the compound), the care of children with intellectual/mental impairments was placed under the Office of the Public Welfare Commission.
Eventually, the compound housed more clients — children who were abandoned, lepers, delinquents, handicapped, and children with mental/intellectual impairments. They were housed in separate buildings within the compound. Notably, the persons with mental/intellectual impairments were housed in Unit C Building.
In 1963, those who occupied Unit C Building were relocated to Alabang, Muntinlupa, in a place that was eventually named Elsie Gaches Village. The name is inspired by a philanthropist couple, Samuel Gaches and Elise McCloskey, who had donated their 16-hectare villa to the Philippine government, for the purpose of caring for children with special needs. Of the entire area, 9.9 hectares was occupied by the EGV.
Vision, Mission, and Goals
The Elsie Gaches Village is envisioned to be a “haven” where persons with intellectual disabilities and other neuro-developmental disorders who have been abandoned, neglected, and surrendered are developed for self-efficacy. It also aims to be a “demonstration center” by the year 2030.
The mission of EGV is “to provide multi-disciplinary protective services for the development of persons with intellectual disabilities and other neuro-developmental disorders who have been abandoned, neglected, and surrendered.”
Notably, the strategic goals of the EGV are as follows:
- To increase the number of staff from 194 to 320 to meet the standard staff-client ratio for children with special needs by 2020;
- To increase number of employed residents from four in 2016 to 10 by 2022 through the provision of capacity-building activities; and
- To improve physical structures, facilities, and equipment based on standards set for persons with disabilities by 2022.
Target Clients
The target clients of the EGV are persons ages 7 to 59 years old, male or female, with mental or intellectual impairments including the following categories:
- Abandoned – a person whose parent or guardian has left or deserted him/her for a period of at least 3 continuous months;
- Neglected – a person whose basic needs have been deliberately unattended or inadequately attended for a period of at least 3 continuous months;
- Dependent – a person whose parent or guardian desires to be relieved of his/her care and dependent on public for support; and
- Foundling – a person left alone in the streets, public or private places, and directly exposed to physical, health, moral, and environmental hazards and risks.
Eligibility Requirements
In particular, persons who are eligible for admission into the EGV include the following conditions:
- Neuro-developmental disorders, specifically intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder;
- Cerebral palsy;
- Down syndrome; and
- Free from contagious diseases and psychiatric disorders.
Referrals to the facility may be made in writing or in person. IN any case, the following documents must be prepared:
- Social case study report by a social worker;
- Certificate of retardation from a psychiatrist;
- Psychological evaluation; and
- Medical abstract.
Programs and Services
Meanwhile, here are some of the programs and services offered at the Elsie Gaches Village:
- Medical Assistance. Nurses and medical aides are present to attend to the clients’ medical needs.
- Physical Therapy. Provided to those who need help with mobility and other daily activities.
- Play Therapy. Specialized intervention for clients with autism and other intellectual disabilities.
- Good Manners and Right Conduct. Good habits such as setting the table, praying before meals, washing the dishes, and cleaning the house are done under the supervision of “house parents.”
- Sheltered Workshop. Clients are taught skills such as sewing, painting, handicraft making, and other skills that could serve as a source of livelihood/income.
Video: First Lady Visits Elsie Gaches Village
In October 2022, First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos visited the Elsie Gaches Village. Below is a video featuring the highlights of her visit, as shared by the DSWD Facebook page:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some commonly asked questions about the Elsie Gaches Village:
1. What is Elsie Gaches Village?
Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) is a residential care facility located in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. It caters to persons with intellectual/mental impairments who have been abandoned, neglected, or abused.
2. What are its vision and mission?
EGV is envisioned to be a haven where persons with intellectual disabilities who have been abandoned, neglected, and surrendered are developed for self-efficacy. Its mission is to provide multi-disciplinary protective services for its clients.
3. Who are its target clients?
The target clients of the EGV are persons aged 7-59 years old, with mental or intellectual impairments, who have been abandoned, neglected, or surrendered by their families and communities.
4. What are its programs and services?
The facility provides medical assistance, physical therapy, play therapy, sheltered workshops, and other services depending on the needs of its clients.
5. How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about the Elsie Gaches Village by getting in touch through its contact details, which are given below.
Contact Information: Elsie Gaches Village
Address: Alabang–Zapote Rd, Cupang, Muntinlupa, 1771 Metro Manila, Philippines
Telephone: 02 8734 8629
Website: https://ncr.dswd.gov.ph/centers-and-institution/elsie-gaches-village-egv/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
If you know any person with a mental/intellectual disability, who has been abandoned or neglected, he/she may be referred to the Elsie Gaches Village. Be sure to get in touch with the facility first through its contact details stated above.
Another medical-related initiative of the DSWD is the Lingap at Gabay Para sa May Sakit (LinGAP sa MaSa) Program. Check out this article to read all about it!