For the past four years, the Home for Girls has organized the Nutri Fun Run—a fun run held within the facility for girl residents and staff, as a kickoff activity for the National Nutrition Month celebration.

On July 8, 2025, the center once again held the Nutri Fun Run on its facility grounds, followed by a healthy buffet breakfast for all participants.

The Home for Girls (HFG) of the DSWD Field Office 7–Central Visayas is a residential care facility for girl children aged 7 to below 18, who are victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

This center-led initiative advocates for proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, while also encouraging girls to develop healthy habits and hobbies that can evolve into lifelong skills.

According to Center Head Jennifer S. Abastillas, the advocacy behind the activity, aims to raise awareness among the residents about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

“Now that we’re in our fourth year, we also see this as an opportunity to strengthen our bond as a team,” she shared. “Our houseparents, social workers, and other staff have worked day and night to make this activity possible. At the same time, our girls eagerly look forward to it by waking up early and showing their excitement, Abastillas added.

She added that the activity also introduces the concepts of running and eating a healthy breakfast to the girls, many of whom may not have experienced or practiced these habits in their previous home environments.

The center currently provides care and rehabilitation services to 43 girls, each one receiving the support, protection, and guidance they need toward recovery and healing.

Sister’s bonds

Julia, a victim of incest, and her sister Erika, who suffered from neglect (not their real names), are residents of the Home for Girls. The sisters, originally from Tuburan, Cebu, are two of the participants.

During the recent Nutri Fun Run, Erika, the younger of the two sisters, finished in second place, while her older sister placed twelfth. Erika expressed both joy and surprise at her achievement, sharing that she had only started practicing a few days before the actual run.

“Nalipay ko kay nakadaog ko sa dagan. Hilig gyud kog dahan kaniadto pa, pero mas nalipay ko kay lingaw, nindot ang mga duwa diri, ug naa akong ate kuyog nako,” Erika said.

She dreams of becoming a policewoman someday so she can protect her sister and other girls from harm. Meanwhile, Julia hopes to become a teacher, aspiring to share her knowledge and experiences with young girls who may have faced similar struggles.

Before the fun run, the girls designed and created their nutrition-themed headbands, drawing fruits and vegetables that they think are essential to a healthy body.

Anna (not her real name), a victim of neglect from Madridejos, Cebu, has consistently shown a talent for art, especially during art therapy sessions.

She believes that eating fruits and vegetables not only strengthens the body but also enhances one’s appearance. “Makahatag og bitamina nga importante aron kusgan ang panglawas, ug kini usab makapanindot sa atong panit,” she shared.

Anna added that the center provides them with nutritious meals every day, and through proper nutrition, she believes they are becoming healthier and less likely to get sick.

Bell of Life

One of the regular wellness activities of the center is the Bell of Life. It is a hydration initiative that reminds and encourages the girls to drink water at designated times throughout the day.

This activity helps them develop the habit of staying hydrated, which is essential in preventing illnesses such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), coughs, and other common ailments.

The Bell of Life not only promotes physical well-being but also encourages discipline and mindfulness, fostering better self-care habits among the girls. ###