The Home for Girls of the DSWD Field Office 7 – Central Visayas is a residential facility dedicated to girls aged 7 to under 18 who have been separated from their families due to sexual abuse or exploitation.

Its primary objective is to offer protection and rehabilitation, supporting the girls in their early recovery and eventual reintegration into their families and communities.

HFG offers temporary residential care, along with a variety of programs and services designed to meet the needs of the children in its care.

In 2024, the center provided care to a total of 103 female residents throughout the year. From January to March 2025, the center has seen an alarming increase in referrals, admitting 68 girls during this period, with 43 currently under its care.

The online sexual abuse or exploitation of children (OSAEC) is the primary reason why girls have been temporarily placed at HFG.

Girl child advocacies

The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, highlights the importance of empowering young girls and amplifying their voices. It underscores the urgent need for action to ensure a safe and promising future for girls everywhere.

Another significant observance is the “Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week,” commonly known as Girl Child Week, which takes place during the fourth week of March in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 759. This week advocates for the protection of girls’ rights.

This year’s theme, “Walang Puwang sa Lipunan ang Karahasan: Labanan ang Pang-aabuso at Eksploytasyon sa Batang Babae, Online at Offline,” emphasizes the urgent need to safeguard young girls from all forms of violence and exploitation, both in digital spaces and in the physical world.

In line with these initiatives, DSWD 7 is dedicated to creating an environment where girls can confidently pursue their dreams and aspirations, free from abuse and limitations.

HFG Center Head Jenifer S. Abastillas emphasized that these advocacies are essential in guiding the center’s year-round activities. “We strive to promote these advocacies that address the needs and challenges faced by girl children. They form the foundation of our rehabilitative efforts and monthly thematic activities, empowering our girl residents in preparation for their reintegration.”

Throughout the year, various activities are organized to further these goals, including participation in socio-cultural events such as the Sinulog Festival in January, Santacruzan in May, and Buwan ng Wika in August.

This year, the HFG residents participated in “Pakiglambigit ni Juana,” an event organized by the DSWD to celebrate Women’s Month and Girl-Child Week, aimed at supporting women and children who are victim-survivors of abuse and violence.

In line with the celebration, DSWD7, in partnership with the Regional Council for the Welfare of Children, organized “My Expression, My Right: ArtSpeaks for the Girls.” During this event, the girls were encouraged to creatively express their perceptions of safety in various settings, including at school, home, or within the community. The activity was followed by a brief lecture on personal and online safety tips.

Pageants such as Miss Feb-ibig in February and Ms. Juana in March provide opportunities to enhance self-esteem and boost confidence among the girls while they are at the center. Additionally, the ‘Nutri Fun Run’ in July fosters camaraderie and promotes sportsmanship among the residents.

Each month, the girls are recognized for their hard work and personal growth through awards such as the ‘Star Awards,’ which celebrate those who demonstrate exceptional improvements, and the ‘Character of the Month’ award, which honors those who exhibit outstanding character through virtues and values.

‘Art for cure’

Art plays a crucial role in self-expression, serving as a powerful tool for healing and recovery. For the residents of HFG, who have suffered the profound trauma of sexual abuse, creative expression through art becomes an integral part of their emotional healing and empowerment.

The Cebuano Arts Club, a group of professional artists with the mission “Serving our Passion, Teaching by Heart,” is committed to supporting children—particularly those battling cancer and those who have experienced abuse—through the transformative power of art.

In collaboration with the center, they offer fundamental art lessons, guiding children in self-expression through canvas painting, batik printing on t-shirts, face painting, and pottery painting.

Artist Ive Mae Pancho shared that the Cebuano Arts Club conducts art therapy sessions three to four times a year as part of their advocacy. “Our partnership with HFG has been ongoing for nearly six years now, and through these art therapy sessions, we aim to give back for all the blessings we have received,” she explained.

She further emphasized that the club offers its talents and time freely to support the girls, noting, “While we know these sessions help them heal from their past traumas, it is equally therapeutic for us to witness the joy these children experience and to see their growing love for art.”

Pancho also highlighted that the partnership with HFG includes the provision of art materials, which are generously donated by club members from their own funds, along with contributions from their partners.

Pancho shared that the club plans to organize more activities at the center, including an upcoming mural painting project, with further details to be announced soon.

Additionally, the artworks created by the girls are regularly displayed, serving as a reminder of their healing journey through art, while also potentially sparking an interest in pursuing careers in arts.

In addition to the rehabilitative activities conducted by DSWD within its residential facility for girls, there is a strong call to safeguard the rights and well-being of young girls, while promoting a society free from abuse and discrimination. ###