MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--A haven that will house survivors of violence against women and children (VAWC) requiring temporary protective custody and other support for their healing and recovery is set to rise here in the city.
This, after the provincial government, broke ground for the construction of a Residential Care Facility on Thursday, December 15.
The two-storey facility will be constructed in Barangay Sagonsongan. The first phase will be funded by the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) at P5 million.
Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid Rakiin Adiong, who led the groundbreaking ceremony, said the construction of the facility is very timely as they have been receiving reports from the LCPC and the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and VAWC (PCAT-VAWC) that there are cases of gender-based violence in the province.
He said victims of GBV will now be provided with proper care through the Residential Care Facility.
Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Chief Mariam Balindong Casim said the construction of the facility was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the LCPC and PCAT-VAWC members and the strong support of Governor Mamintal Alonto-Adiong Jr.
She said they pushed for the establishment of the facility to help abused women overcome difficulties, reestablish normal social functioning, and reclaim their self-worth and dignity through the provision of protection and rehabilitative services.
"Ang itatayong residential care facility na ito ay naglalayong maging solusyon alinsunod sa human rights standards. Layunin nito na matulungan ang mga biktima ng pang-aabuso na maisaayos at manumbalik sa kanilang dating sigla sa pamamagitan ng iba't-ibang programa at serbisyo nitong gagawin sa facility tulad ng social services, home-life services, education services, health and nutrition services, recreational and other cultural activities, and spiritual enrichment," she further said.
[This residential care facility aims to be a solution in accordance with human rights standards. Its goal is to help victims of abuse to be rehabilitated and return to their former vitality through various programs and services that will be provided at the facility such as social services, home-life services, education services, health and nutrition services, recreational and other cultural activities, and spiritual enrichment.]
With the start of the construction, the PSWDO head is optimistic that the province of Lanao del Sur is on the road to a completely child-friendly and safe community. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
