CEBU CITY, Cebu, Aug. 27 (PIA) -- The Regional Haven for Women (RHW) of the Department of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 7 recently celebrated its 28 anniversary.

RHW has served more than 3,000 individuals, specifically women in difficult circumstances including their dependents.

Formerly named Substitute Home Care for Women in 1993, the residential care facility takes care of women aged 18 to 59 years old who have been victims of rape, trafficking, and types of abuses such as physical, psychosocial, and sexual. 

It has accommodated, protected, and empowered these women for a maximum of six months, depending on their situation and the assessment of the social worker.

They are provided with free food, clothing, shelter, and protection.

With its goal to protect and empower women under its roof of protection, RHW has changed the lives of its clients.

Some of them were inspired to be social workers themselves to help people who have experienced the fate they had before.

One of its clients, Daisy (not her real name), shared that RHW helped her to never give up on her dreams and to reach her dreams.

“Kung sauna pagsulod nako sa RHW wala gayud ko kahuman sa high school, karon nakahuman nako og college sa kursong social work (I have not yet finished my high school when I entered Haven, but now, I graduated with a social work degree),” said Daisy. 

Daisy added that before she entered the RHW, she only wanted to finish high school so she could get a job.

“Wala ko magdahom nga grabe ang tabang sa Ginoo og nahuman gayud ko og college. Tungod sa tambag sa mga tawo nga nagtabang nako didto sa Haven ug didto nako narealize nga dili gyud mawagtangan og paglaom (I never thought how great is our God. I was able to finish college. The staff’s guidance helped me to realize to not lose hope),” shared Daisy.

Another former client, Steff (not her real name), just graduated from social work and will soon pursue her degree as a social worker.

“It is a blessing that I got in RHW, I learned what is my worth and dignity as a person,” she said.

Steff shared that she tried to escape and made excuses to get away from the facility, but later she realized the purpose of her stay.

“Everything has a reason. You are stronger than you think you are,” she said.

The RHW continues to provide care, shelter, and empowerment to women.(PIA7/HFG)