This New Year, DSWD Field Office 8 staff and residents from the Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) spent the day together to welcome 2025.
The year is 2024. Behind the statistics and government reports, a quiet revolution of compassion unfolds within the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs).
More than 7,000 individuals, belonging to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in society, found refuge, rehabilitation, and hope within these walls. This isn’t just a number; it’s a tapestry woven from countless individual stories of resilience, recovery, and second chances.
On January 3, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, said that in line with the mandate to provide interventions to assist disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors, the agency’s residential and non-residential care facilities were able to cater the needs of a total of 7,201 clients from January to November 2024,”
The agency currently operates 67 residential care facilities across 16 regions in the country catering to children, women, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
“These residential care facilities operate for 24-hours daily to provide necessary interventions to vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals and families in crisis whose needs cannot be met by their relatives,” Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian explained.
Among the interventions and services received by residential care clients were social, homelife, health and nutrition, educational, productivity/livelihood, cultural and recreational, and spiritual enrichment activities.
Non-residential care facilities, on the other hand, provide interventions on a daily basis to address crisis or developmental concerns of an individual, a group of individuals or a family.
The DSWD operates six non-residential care facilities for persons with disabilities in the National Capital Region (NCR), Ilocos Region, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and SOCCSKSARGEN, and one non-residential care facility – the Ina Healing Center – for grieving mothers located in the DSWD Central Office.
Under the DSWD’s 2025 budget as part of President Marcos’ vision, the Department will facilitate the repairs and improve its facilities especially for those providing rehabilitative services for abandoned, neglected, and victim-survivors of exploitation.
Positive feedback
Residents of the Regional Haven for Women and Girls (RHWG) and the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) expressed overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the programs and services provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) held on January 10, 2025.
The all-day event, which included participation from “Angels in Red Vest” staff from the Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs), aimed to assess the impact of various DSWD initiatives and gather recommendations for service improvement.
Participants shared powerful testimonials highlighting the positive impact of the programs.
“Grace,” a resident of the RHWG, stated, “Naramdaman ko ang pagmamahal ng Social Workers at Houseparents. Kapag may sinasabi ako sa kanila ay nakikinig sila (I can feel the love from the Social Workers and Houseparents. When I say something to them, they listen to us).”
Another resident, “Jake” from the RRCY, shared, “Nagkaroon ako ng malasakit sa kapwa, nagbago ang ugali…at mas naging open-minded (I became compassionate towards others, changed my attitude…and am more open-minded).”
The FGD provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of current programs and identified areas for improvement. The DSWD is expected to release a full report summarizing the findings and recommendations in the coming weeks.
The positive feedback from residents underscores the importance of the DSWD’s commitment to providing comprehensive support and care for vulnerable individuals.
A Haven for Children
The DSWD currently provides care for more than 2,000 children across various residential facilities, including Reception and Study Centers, Homes for Girls, Nayon ng Kabataan, Marillac Hills, Haven for Children, and Lingap Centers.
The DSWD’s top priority is family reunification; however, when this isn’t possible, they work with the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) to facilitate adoption or foster care placements.
The DSWD has several services within its CRCFs that aim to fulfill certain crucial aspects and some of them were
Social Services: Assist in resolving issues as well as offering suitable care.
Psychological Services: Facilitate provision of emotional and mental health services.
Homelife Services: Instructionals self-care and management skills and instilling positive lifestyle habits.
Educational Services: Provisions for fulfilling the basic educational aims.
Productivity/Livelihood: The potential or capabilities for employment.
Health Services: Maintenance in availing healthcare and overall health fitness.
Recreational and Cultural Activities: Encouraging social, artistic and cultural participation and interests.
Community Participation: Fostering a sense of social belonging and active citizenship.
Maintaining Sustainability
The DSWD spends a significant sum of money on maintaining its CRCFs, which are scattered all throughout the country.
These facilities provide round-the-clock group living for children and families under trying circumstances. To ensure they have the administrative, technological, and financial tools required to operate effectively and provide high-quality services, the DSWD also works closely with commercial companies.
Better Future Ahead
The DSWD knows the critical part private institutions play in helping at-risk children. The agency assertively searches for alliances to extend its reach and provide more complete care.
The agency is aware that transformation outside of a residential care facility can be a challenging time for young adults. To support their success, the agency offers a range of programs tailored to individual needs, as Marcos government has envisioned.
There are programs being implemented by the agency, for those facing immediate crises, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program provides emergency aid and support. This program helps individuals navigate difficult situations and regain strength.
For those ready to enter the workforce, the DSWD offers the Employment Track of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). This program provides assessments and guidance to help individuals find suitable employment opportunities.
The DSWD’s commitment extends beyond the walls of its residential care facilities, offering a lifeline of support as these young adults get on a new period in their lives.
Walang Forever
Although the policies might differ from one residential care facility to another, it is common practice that children should not be kept in these institutions forever. It aims to offer a safe space while efforts are made to either reunite the child with their family, foster, or place them for adoption.
According to the DSWD, residential care facilities function as provisional placements and not permanent ones, commonly for a period of six months to a year. In that timeframe, the agency actively seeks to reunite the child with their family or find another form of family care.
In other situations, a child has to stay in the facility until they turn 18 or older when they can no longer be reunified or adopted. As for these cases, the DSWD stresses that it is crucial to prepare these individuals for independent living.
Government’s dedication
President Marcos’ dedication to improving the lives of the most vulnerable members of society remains unshakable. He gives the wellbeing of the underprivileged top priority since he is concerned about it.
Under President Marcos’ direction, the government is aggressively distributing funds and paying attention to make sure these underprivileged groups have a reasonable quality of living.
President Marcos understands that bettering the lot of the underprivileged is not only a moral need but also a question of policy. He knows that their welfare is closely related to the general development of the country.
The many projects and campaigns meant to empower the underprivileged and provide chances for them to stop the cycle of poverty clearly show his commitment to this cause.
