For 30 years, Balay Dangupan has been a sanctuary for abused female children in Davao City, offering more than just a roof over their heads. Through the Crisis Intervention Center (CIC), the City Government of Davao continues to provide hope, healing, and a path to a brighter future for these young girls, many of whom have faced unspeakable challenges.
A Milestone of Compassion
On September 17, 2024, Balay Dangupan marked its 30th anniversary with a celebration that highlighted the residents’ talents and honored the vital stakeholders and partners who have been instrumental in its journey. The center, overseen by Rizza Grace Naive, remains committed to providing comprehensive services, including psychosocial intervention, temporary shelter, and the basic needs of the children. In addition, in-house, face-to-face educational services are offered, with teachers coming directly to the center to ensure the girls’ education continues uninterrupted.
“Educational services still continue here at Balay Dangupan. The teachers, themselves, come here,” Naive explained, emphasizing the importance of education in rebuilding the children’s lives.
Empowerment Through Holistic Intervention
Balay Dangupan’s success lies in its holistic approach, which aims to empower the children by helping them heal and build resilience. Naive proudly shared the center’s numerous success stories, where former residents have gone on to lead successful lives, achieving academic milestones and even becoming professionals.
“We have a lot of success stories where children became successful in their lives despite what happened to them. They were able to finish school and even became professionals,” Naive said, underscoring the transformative power of the center’s intervention.
One such story is that of Herbie Rejolio, a former resident who is now employed by the city government. Rejolio, who once felt hopeless, credits Balay Dangupan for giving her a second chance at life. She urged the current residents to trust the staff and embrace the support and guidance offered to them.
“That’s why you children, who are staying here at CIC-Balay Dangupan, you should really listen and follow the advice of the staff, because they have no other intention but to provide, guide, protect, develop, and give us a good future,” Rejolio shared.
A Safe Haven for 48 Girls
Balay Dangupan is currently home to 48 female children, all of whom have found solace in the nurturing environment provided by the CIC. The center’s focus on psychosocial support, education, and holistic care ensures that these children are not defined by their past but are instead given the tools to forge a new future.
As it celebrates three decades of service, Balay Dangupan continues to stand as a testament to the power of compassion and the impact of community support. Its legacy is one of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief that every child deserves a chance at a better life.
Moving Forward
The 30-year milestone of Balay Dangupan serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to protect and nurture the most vulnerable members of society. With the continued dedication of the City Government of Davao, the CIC staff, and countless partners, Balay Dangupan remains a place where girls can dream again, rebuild their lives, and, ultimately, thrive.
As Balay Dangupan moves forward, it vows to carry on its mission, fostering more success stories and shaping futures filled with promise and potential.
