“I’m so thankful deep from my heart to all the Home for Girls (HFG) staff because they are one of the reasons to where I am and who I am right now,” a testimony from the former resident of HFG, Krizzel G. Sarmiento during the commemoration. Now, Ms. Sarmiento is a successful teacher and has been teaching for three years. She also added anchoring with the anniversary theme, “I found the BRIGHTER side of my life and became a BETTER person through their advises and became BOLDER by learning from my experiences.”
The Foundation of HFG is celebrated annually to give thanks and recognize all staff, partners, sponsors, and the residents. The program showcased the talents and skills of the clients through intermission number, art exhibit, and the Search for Miss Home for Girls 2019. The program also aims to increase the residents’ self-confidence and become better individual.
The Center Head, Ms. Noemi D. Escalona, gratefully acknowledged the participants, guests, and partners for their efforts and contribution to the Center. “Nagpapasalamat kami, dito sa HFG for taking your time from your busy schedule to attend this celebration. I also want to thank everyone, the staff, and the residents to make this all possible,” she said.
Ms. Fleureeza A. Liwanag, Regional Executive Assistant, shared a message in behalf of the Regional Director of the DSWD FO1. She congratulated the Home for Girls for conducting its 23rd Anniversary. She said that a day such as this set to give appropriate appreciation to people who became part of the Center delights the Regional Director. She appreciated the Center Management for their leadership, and for guiding the girl Management for their leadership, and for guiding the girl children as their older brother, sister, mother, and father. She likewise recognized the PNP, Rotary, PhilHealth, DepEd and other assistance, and also to the sponsors and benefactors for selflessly sharing financial and emotional support to the clients. She esteemed the Local Government Unit of Agoo for enabling the Center to function very well. She equally expressed the Regional Director’s gratefulness to the residents for cooperating, following rules and for making the institution a part of their lives. Lastly, she said, “May we continue to touch and enrich each other’s lives. On behalf of the RD maraming Salamat po at happy 23rd anniversary.”
A total of 18 partners was given a certificate of appreciation as recognition of their continuous support to the Center: BDO Baguio, La Union Medical Representatives, Rotary Club of Agoo, Rotary Club of San Fernando, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, PNP Regional Office 1, PhilHealth Region 1, San Nicolas West Elementary School, Agoo East Elementary School, President Elpidio Quirino National High School, Zonta Club of La Union, Parole and Probation Administration Regional Office 1, Alternative Learning System, Bank of Commerce, Don Manuel P. Cases Senior National High School, La Union Medical Society, Stardom, and Union Bank of La Union.
Selected residents were also awarded for their outstanding performances. Subsequently, the search for Miss Home for Girls 2019 was conducted to boost the confidence and solidarity of the residents. All candidates for the pageant relished and showed their finest performances. “Yana” stands out in the eyes of the judges for showing her best performance and therefore, was selected as the Miss Home for Girls 2019. There was also presentation of purchasable artworks of the talented residents during the celebration.
The DSWD Field Office 1 – HFG started in Lingayen, Pangasinan in 1996. Then, it was relocated in Agoo, La Union with the help of the Center partners. The HFG accommodates girls with ages ranging from 7 to 17 years old, who need protection and intervention, to help them overcome their traumatic experiences and bring back their normal functioning. (by: Jenny Andres, Information Officer I/Social Marketing Unit)
