Muntinlupa City (PIA) – Bahay Pag-asa (BPA) welcomes donations to support its 11 young residents, who receive not only their basic needs but also encouragement to hope for a better future through education and rehabilitation, and donating is just a click away.
Bahay Pag-asa offers more than just basic necessities to its 11 young residents; it provides a pathway to a brighter future through education and rehabilitation, fueled by the kindness of donors.
Inside the center’s walls, simple items carry profound meaning. A new notebook signifies continued learning, a personal hygiene kit restores dignity, and recreational materials bring moments of joy to lives previously marked by hardship.
“Every donation has a significant impact not just on the facility but also on our residents,” explained Shiella Enaje, center head of Muntinlupa City BPA, during a recent Zoom interview.
“This is also a way for us to build up stock, especially if donations continue to come in during the last quarter of the year,” she said. “It’s heartwarming to see that the residents have more than enough supply.”
Managed by local government units (LGUs), BPAs serve as safe havens for children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL).
Within these spaces, the young residents pursue their education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS), while restorative justice programs guide their personal development and healing.
Digital Charity: The Kaagapay Way
Now, extending a helping hand to the children of BPA is as simple as a click.
Recognizing the shift toward digital giving, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) launched its Kaagapay Donations Portal (https://kaagapay.dswd.gov.ph/home), an online platform designed to directly connect donors with those in need.
The portal addresses the uncertainty often associated with charitable contributions. Donors can choose specific beneficiaries, whether DSWD-run centers like Bahay Pag-asa, local government units or partner non-governmental organizations.
The process is streamlined, transparent and accessible with just a few clicks.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Marie Rafael emphasized the portal’s significance for the Filipino diaspora.
“Our fellow Filipinos overseas often want to help their regions or provinces affected by disasters, but many aren’t sure which channels are credible,” she explained. “With Kaagapay, we provide them a reliable way to send donations, knowing their money will reach the intended beneficiaries as quickly as possible.”
For disaster relief efforts, the portal also accepts cash donations, while in-kind contributions can be sent directly to chosen facilities with the assistance of partner courier services.
Fostering restorative justice
What distinguishes Bahay Pag-asa is its focus on restorative justice.
Beyond addressing immediate needs, the center aims to empower young residents to recognize their potential and reintegrate into society as productive citizens.
Each donation transcends its material value.
A set of art supplies can unlock creative expression for a child struggling to articulate their experiences. Sports equipment fosters teamwork and healthy competition among residents as they learn to trust again.
For the 11 residents of Muntinlupa City’s BPA, these contributions represent a community investment in their future, a belief in their capacity for change and growth despite past challenges.
Witnessing residents develop new skills and confidence, Enaje sees firsthand the profound impact of generosity on their growth.
“The donations create an environment where children feel valued,” she noted. “That sense of worth is often the first step toward genuine transformation.”
Through initiatives like the Kaagapay Donations Portal, supporting these children’s journey has never been more accessible, proving that sometimes, making a difference is just a click away. (GLDG/PIA-NCR)
