The year 2019 marks the 20th anniversary since the Department of Social Welfare Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) Haven for Women (HFW) was established in 1999.
Since then, DSWD FO 1 HFW has a total of 1,486 beneficiaries served and continuously provides temporary shelter and protective custody to women ages 18 – 59 years old who are victims of involuntary or forced prostitution, illegal recruitment, battery or abuse, sexual abuse, detention, armed conflict, among others.
To commemorate the celebration, HFW offered a thanksgiving mass followed by a blessing ceremony of the new buildings led by Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas, D.D.
After which, awarding of plaques of appreciation to Colegio de Dagupan, Integrated Bar of the Philippines Dagupan Chapter, Department of Education Dagupan City, Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan, and Barangay Police Officer was done to recognize their unwavering support in building trust, competence, passion, and commitment in offering services to vulnerable and disadvantaged women.
The activity also awarded five (5) most performing staff, namely: Danicar C. Maleon; Rowena R. Moreno; Venus Marie C. Untalasco; Alfa D. Gemino; and Richelle R. Sicat for their continuing and dedicated service to HFW.
According to Mayor Marc Brian C. Lim, the City Government of Dagupan will give its full and continuous support to HFW. “Kung ano man ang kakailanganin ng ating mga residente ay sabihin lamang po sa amin at gagawin namin ang aming makakaya upang kayo ay matulungan (Whatever the residents need, let us know and we will do our best to help you)”, he said.
As part of the celebration and to strengthen the bond of Center residents and its staff, HFW conducted the Search for Ginang Haven 2019 followed by a socialization activity on the second day.
HFW Anniversary celebration is an opportunity for all the staff and residents to showcase their talents and skills and a way to develop camaraderie among themselves. The two-day event also served as an extraordinary occasion for the residents to socialize, widen their networks, and boost their self-esteem. #By: Nicole Kasandra A. Lipawen, Social Marketing Unit
