A dedicated center for women that were subjected to violence and abuse is in the works based on a report released this Saturday morning by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The establishment of a crisis center for women, which would offer both healthcare and residential to its residents, was initially discussed during DSWD secretary Rex Gatchalian’s meeting with the Association of Women Legislators Foundation Inc. (AWLFI) last 7 January.

This Thursday, Asst. Secretary Ada Colico of the department’s Protective Program together with the Department of Health (DOH) officially conducted its site visit at the Haven for Women at Alabang, Muntinlupa where the integrated clinic will be built.

Members of the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. (CSFI), local government officials, women legislators, and other stakeholders joined the tour of the 31 year old facility that offers 24-hour care for women that experienced gender-based violence.

Based on their report, the main purpose of the event was to inspect already existing facilities while also assessing how plans would align prior to the establishment of the new crisis center.

Colico was thankful when speaking on the partnership that was afforded by the respective government and non-government organizations who backed the vision of the department to provide a safe space for women.

“This initiative is important to address a long-standing gap, ensuring that women survivors no longer have to move from one facility to another to receive the care they need,” she stated.

Present and pledging to craft a bill to support the sustainability of the facility were Bulacan 4th District Rep. Linabelle Villarica, Bukidnon 3rd District Rep. Audrey Zubiri, Leyte 3rd District Rep. Anna Veloso-Tuazon, and Nanay Party List Rep. Florabel Yatco.

Also speaking in the event was lead architect Dan Lichauco who laid down the blueprint for the joint pavilion that will feature separate but connected buildings for the DSWD and DOH.

Lichauco, who also designed the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Medical City Hospitals, and the UP-PGH Polyclinic in New Clark City, detailed that the center would be the first of its kind by integrating both agencies in one facility.

“The medical part will be staffed and manned by DOH personnel, and then the residential portion will be staffed and manned by DSWD personnel,” he said.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, who was present during the presentation, mentioned that the funding for the said project had already been distributed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).