The Crisis Intervention Center-Balay Dangupan celebrated its 31st anniversary this week, marking more than three decades of providing sanctuary and comprehensive care to young girls who have survived physical and sexual abuse.
Founded in 1994, Balay Dangupan has become more than a shelter—it is a lifeline. Beyond offering food and a safe roof over their heads, the center provides psychosocial intervention and a nurturing pathway toward healing. Currently, the facility cares for 46 children, including two three-year-olds who represent the youngest residents of the home.
During the anniversary program, center overseer Rizza Grace Naive underscored Balay Dangupan’s dual role as both a temporary shelter and a family. She described it as a place that has borne witness to the tears and struggles of countless children, but also to their resilience and transformation.
Nenita Lim, Center Coordinator of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to supporting the children in their journey toward recovery. Speaking with compassion, she told them that their painful past does not define who they are but rather how they rise above it.
“We are here to support you, to back you, to ensure that you get the justice, change, and growth in your lives,” Lim said, reminding the children that God’s love and justice are always present in their journey.
Adding depth to the celebration was the testimony of Merilyn Macias-Aroy, a former resident who stayed at Balay Dangupan in 2008 and is now a public school teacher. She shared how the center became her anchor during her darkest moments.
“Balay Dangupan stood up for me—it gave me shelter, protection, and became the voice for victims like me,” Macias-Aroy recalled.
She encouraged the young girls not to lose hope and to continue reaching for their dreams. “I hope my story will also become yours in the future—that you will not stop dreaming. Whether you want to be professionals or artists, keep going and keep believing,” she told them.
For 31 years, Balay Dangupan has been more than a safe haven. It has stood as a beacon of hope, devoted to restoring the dignity and sense of safety stolen from its young residents. Its legacy continues to grow—one story of courage and recovery at a time.