The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) recounted its accomplishments for the past 29 years during its anniversary held on September 15, 2023, at the Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) Balay Dangupan in Cabantian Davao City.
CSWDO head Joy Dayaday said that for 29 years of helping the physically or sexually abused, and neglected female children, the center was able to produce successful professionals who are now integrated with society. A learning facility for children was also already built within the center premises.
“Ubay ubay na pod ang atoang natabangan. Dako among ginapagpasalamat kay sa 29 years duna ta’y mga bata nga kadtong gihatagan nato og hope, nakalampus na (We were able to help many residents. We are very grateful that within 29 years we have children whom we have given hope who were able to succeed),” Dayaday said, adding that some of them have become teachers and social workers, caregivers or also working at the CIC Balay Dangupan and Co Su Gian Home for the Aged.
Dayaday also said that their former wish to have a school within the site has already been realized. Now, they have five in-house teachers including high school and senior high. The teachers are part of the 30-person multi-disciplinary team with social workers, and a psychometrician. These personnel play a huge role in providing the services offered in the facility – psychosocial intervention, education, medical needs, and basic services 24/7.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Baste, in his speech during the anniversary, acknowledged and extended on behalf of Davao City, gratitude to the supporters of Balay Dangupan for their time, effort, and dedication to the children at the center.
The mayor also urged the residents of the center to enjoy their time while they are in the facility and that they should build themselves, learn, explore, and expand their talents and skills.
Meanwhile, Former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was also present during the event, said that he built Balay Dangupan 29 years ago under his term as mayor to help the residents who have experienced challenges in the early part of their lives.
He also urged Balay Dangupan residents to use the opportunity while at the facility to empower themselves, as the center is already programmed to hone the children to face the problems of life outside.
Dayaday added that moving forward, they are now aiming for the improvement of their network for those who already left the center.
“Isa pud nato nga mga plano nga maka-establish ta og kana ganing network nga kana ganing mahatagan nato sila og trabaho ug dili man gud tanan, naa paman gyu’y mubalik sa atoa nga mangayo og trabaho. They are our priority. (It is part of our plan to establish a network, that we may be able to give them jobs because some come back here and ask for job opportunities. They are our priority),” Dayaday said. CIO
