SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — The children of Pagsapupo Center celebrated “Everybody’s Birthday” with gifts from the Office of the President (OP) under the”Balik Sigla, Balik Saya” program, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Province of Antique.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office social worker and center head Rebecca Hope Lotilla said that Everybody’s Birthday is a much-anticipated event in the center where children are treated with fun-filled activities, presentation of talents, delicious food, and more birthday treats.
This is further to celebrate life’s blessings and gains together with the houseparents and social workers managing the center.
“With the gifts the children received from the OP, the celebration of this activity was made more meaningful this year,” Lotilla said during the program.
When asked about their dreams, the children responded with loud voices, some in unison, that most of them wanted to be a teacher, police officer, and social worker, among other childhood aspirations.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office social worker and center head Rebecca Hope Lotilla shares appreciation for the gifts from the OP-Balik Saya, Balik Sigla program during the Everybody’s Birthday event on Dec. 2, 2023.
One kid, in an interview, shared gratitude for the kindness and understanding of the social workers, houseparents, and staff taking care of them.
She also expressed gladness for the gifts received during the gift-giving activity and other similar events in the previous months sponsored by the “Friends of Pagsapupo.”
The Pagsapupo Center serves as a temporary shelter for abused women and children of the provincial government managed by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO).
A resident of Pagsapupo center receives gifts from the OP’s Balik Saya, Balik Sigla program during the celebration of Everbody’s Birthday in the center.
Currently, there are 14 children under the care of five house parents and each of them received food, bags, and goodies from the OP’s Balik Saya, Balik Sigla program.
Pagsapupo has been operating for 13 years since 2010 under the management of PSWDO, providing shelter for children who are victims
of abuses, some perpetuated by their family members. Lotilla said that all of the children living in the center are in school, most are on a regular schedule while some are enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS).
With the limited resources, Lotilla said that the Friends of Pagsapupo, who have been sending donations to the center in the form of food packs, hygiene kits, school supplies, uniforms, and some cash donations, have helped a lot in meeting the needs of the children.
Punong barangay Joemel Calipayan of Barangay 1, San Jose where the Pagsapupo Center is located, committed to sustaining the support they are giving to the children and pledged to provide one sack of rice for them this December.
Lotilla expressed gratitude to the provincial government, partners,
Some of the gifts and prizes for children at the Pagsapupo Center.
and friends for their untiring support to the children as they recover from painful experiences and move on with their normal lives.
Likewise, Provincial Social Welfare Officer Larry Petinglay joined the celebration, giving inspiration to children with assurance that Pagsapupo Center will always be the priority of PSWDO.
Some of the gifts and prizes for children at the Pagsapupo Center.
PSWDO social worker and department head for program management Careen Panaguiton, Edison Sta Romana of the Provincial Disability Affairs Office, Brgy. 5 Kagawad Marilyn Paclibar, and the Philippine Information Agency were also present in the event. (AGP/PSM/PIA Antique)
