Albay’s Haven for Distressed Women and Children: A venue for empowerment and healing

By Jordan Domingo

AKO Bicol Party-List Rep. Zaldy Co, in cooperation with the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led the ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday, July 17, for the first-ever Haven for Distressed Women and Children and Home for the Aged in Albay.

“The ground-breaking of the DSWD Haven for Distressed Women and Children and Home for the Aged today marks a significant milestone in our community’s commitment to support its most vulnerable members,” Co said.

He expressed gratitude to everyone present at the inauguration of the landmark project, emphasizing that the facility is envisioned to provide a sanctuary of hope and healing for its beneficiaries.

“On this lot that I donated will stand not just a simple building. The facility that will rise here is an inspiration of our collective resolve to support the most vulnerable among us. It will symbolize our commitment to provide a sanctuary where healing can begin, where dignity is restored, and where lives can be rebuilt,” Co said.

He also thanked the architects, builders, and everyone involved in the DSWD Haven project for turning this vision into reality.

The haven, which has secured substantial funding of P400 million from the government, will feature comprehensive facilities designed to cater to the specific needs of its residents. “The haven will have therapy, observation, and psychologist rooms where abused women and children will receive the support and counselling needed to overcome their challenges,” Co said.

“Our senior citizens who have been abandoned will have a home where they will be cared for. Everyone deserves to live with dignity, especially in the twilight of our lives. They will have access to medical areas and treatment rooms to ensure their health and comfort,” Co added.

The Bicolano lawmaker also highlighted that this social service project is one of many government initiatives complementing the Legacy Projects of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. These include the Legacy Specialty Hospitals, Legacy on Food Security, and Legacy Housing Projects, all aimed at improving the lives of Filipinos.

Co, along with the entire Ako Bicol Party-List, expressed deep honor in contributing to these initiatives.

“Together, we’re building more than just a shelter. We are creating a foundation for a brighter, more compassionate future. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that every individual who steps through these doors finds the support and love they need to heal and thrive,” he concluded.