Domestic violence, child labor, child abuse, gender-based violence… These are just some of the problems that the Philippine society faces today. In response, the government, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has established programs, services, and facilities to address such cases.
One of these facilities is the Mabalacat City Drop-In Center (MCDIC) for Women and Children in Crisis Situations in Pampanga, which is managed by the City Government of Mabalacat and accredited by the DSWD. In this article, we will focus on this center — its target beneficiaries, programs, and services.
What is MCDIC?
The Mabalacat City Drop-In Center (MCDIC), which is more popularly known as the “Purple House,” is a community-based and LGU-run facility that caters to women and children in crisis situations. Its target beneficiaries are mainly women and children who have been abandoned, neglected, or victims-survivors of gender-based violence.
Providing temporary shelter and other services, the Purple House is managed by the City Government of Mabalacat through its City Population, Gender and Development Office.
Established in July 2017 in Barangay Sapang Biabas, the Purple House is a flagship social protection program of Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo — who sought to create a facility that caters to children at risk, children in conflict with the law, children in need of special protection, and women in difficult circumstances.
Programs and Services
The Mabalacat City Drop-In Center (MCDIC) provides a wide range services for its clients. Meanwhile, it also makes sure that its staff and personnel and regularly equipped to provide these services.
Services for Clients
To women, children, and other individuals in crisis situations, the Purple House provides the following services:
- Basic Services (e.g. shelter, food, clothing);
- Psychosocial Services;
- Educational Services;
- Health and Medical Services;
- Practical Skills Development;
- Livelihood Skills Training;
- Sports, Recreational, and Other Sociocultural Activities;
- Spiritual Services; and
- Referral Services.
Upon admission into the Purple House, clients are assessed to determine if they will be referred to a more long-term residential facility, or if they will be returned/reintegrated with their families. If applicable, custody or guardianship over children will be given to willing and trusted relatives.
Walk-in and referral clients at the Purple House are managed by the Women and Children Abuse Prevention and Intervention Network (WCAPIN) of the Mabalacat City Government. Notably, this network is an affiliate of the Area-Based Standard Network (ABSNET), which is an organization of social welfare and development agencies that provide participatory and consultative mechanisms in the fields of social work standards and development.
Capability Building of Staff
Meanwhile, the Mabalacat City Population and GAD Office regularly conducts training for the staff and personnel of Purple House. Here are just some of the trainings that have been done over the years:
Disaster Preparedness. From December 27 to 28, 2021, personnel attended training workshops on Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Response, and Basic First Aid.
Gender Responsive Case Management. On May 19 and 20, 2022, the Purple House personnel attended a training on Gender Responsive Case Management (GRCM). The event also included discussions on Gender and Development as well as Guiding Children’s Behavior.
Paralegal Case Management. On August 29 and 30, 2023, the Purple House personnel attended a training on paralegal case management. Among the topics discussed were: (a) Introduction to Paralegal Case Management in a Residential Care Setting; (b) Related Laws on Women and Children; (c) Roles and Functions of Key Players (House Parents, Social Workers, Supervisors, and Security Personnel); and (d) Managing Reported Cases of Abuse Among Residents and Employees.
Special Awards
The Mabacalat City Drop-In Center (MCDIC) or Purple House has received much recognition for its programs and services. For instance, in December 2021, the DSWD accredited the MCDIC — the first of its kind in Pampanga Province to receive the honor. The accreditation was received by the Mabalacat City Government through its Population, Gender Development (POPGAD) Office.
Basically, the DSWD accredited means that the Purple House has successfully complied with first level standards in implementing center-based, non-residential programs, and various services for women and children in crisis situations.
More recently, Mabalacat City has gained more recognition for its efforts in promoting women empowerment and gender equality in the community. According to a report by Pampanga News Now, the city was certified with a new additional Gender and Development Local Learning Hub (GAD LLH) Program.
The recognition was made during the LLH Assembly Awarding Ceremony, which was held at Sequioa Hotel in Manila Bay on April 17 to 19, 2024. The event’s theme was aptly titled: “Empowering Local Government Units as Catalysts for Change towards Gender-Responsive Bagong Pilipinas.”
During the event, the National GADTIMPALA marker was given to Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo and POPGAD Head Charlo Costales. In addition, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) also commended the Mabalacat City Government for its outstanding efforts in promoting gender equality and women empowerment.
Aside from the Drop-In Center for Women and Children (Purple House), other gender equality programs of the Mabalacat City Government are: Knowledge Management Center, Paglaya Program, Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling, Psycho-Social Support Services, Responsible Parenthood, Sentrong Aruga Program, Tech Assistance Services, and the WE LEAP Program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the MCDIC:
1. What is the MCDIC?
MCDIC stands for “Mabalacat City Drop-In Center,” a community-based and LGU-run facility that caters to women and children in crisis situations. It is more popularly known as the “Purple House.”
2. Who are its target clients?
The target beneficiaries of the MCDIC are women and children who have been abandoned, neglected, or victims-survivors of gender-based violence. It also attends to children at risk, children in conflict with the law, and children in need of special protection.
3. What are its programs and services?
The MCDIC provides extensive services for clients, including: basic services, psychosocial services, educational services, health and medical services, practical skills development, livelihood skills training, sports and recreational activities, spiritual services, and referral services.
4. How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about the MCDIC or Purple House by visiting the facility or by getting in tough with them through phone or email. Below are the contact details and location map of the center.
Contact Information: Mabalacat City Drop-In Center
Address: Phase I, Sapang Biabas, Mabalacat City, Pampanga
Telephone: 0906 258 3512
Email: mabalacat.city.gad.officer@gmail.com / mcg.dropincenter@gmail.com
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
The City of Mabalacat — and the entire province of Pampanga, for that matter — are fortunate to have a facility like MCDIC (Purple House), where women and children in crisis situations can find the help and support that they need.
Elsewhere, in Muntinlupa City, there’s a similar facility for women and children, as well. Check out this article to learn more about SAGIP ng Muntinlupa.