The Home for Girls, a DSWD Field Office residential facility, hosted a pageant for its residents at its covered court on February 25, 2025, as the culmination of the Love Month celebration.

The event served as a therapeutic activity to support young girls who are survivors of abuse, violence, and exploitation, helping them rebuild their self-confidence.

The HFG provides temporary protective custody to girls who have experienced trauma at the hands of perpetrators, whether strangers or, more tragically, their own families or relatives. These girls often carry deep emotional and psychological scars, and many struggle with low self-esteem as a result of their experiences.

Center Head Jenifer S. Abastillas shared that the pageant is just one of many rehabilitative activities. “Some of these girls come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have experienced various forms of abuse, including rape, incest, online exploitation, trafficking, abandonment, and neglect. Our mission is to provide them with opportunities to address their trauma, allowing them to express themselves in ways they feel comfortable,” she said.

The Miss Feb-ibig pageant has been a long-standing tradition at the center. Abastillas expressed her hope to continue this annual event, emphasizing that it is not just a beauty contest, but an effort to help the girls heal from their trauma and improve their emotional well-being.

“This activity will continue as it is one of the various ways to support their rehabilitation. We remind the girls that the selection will not be based solely on beauty, but rather on their confidence and their willingness to overcome the trauma they have experienced,” Abastillas said.

All the girls were encouraged to participate, but eight competed for the title of Miss Feb-big through a series of events, including a production number, talent presentation, evening gown competition, and a question-and-answer round.

Meanwhile, four younger participants participated in a mini-competition for the Little Miss Feb-ibig title.

“The center staff focused on enhancing the girls’ talents in dancing, singing, and acting. They wore reused gowns, and some girls creatively added other materials to create more unique designs. These efforts showcased their creativity and boosted their confidence, allowing them to perform with pride on stage,” Abastillas explained.

Candidate No. 6, a 14-year-old survivor, emerged as the winner and was crowned this year’s Miss Feb-ibig.

When asked during the Q&A segment to choose between the love of a boyfriend or family love, she chose the love of her parents. “Bisan og magkinaunsa, dawat ta sa atong mga ginikanan. Ang atong uyab, pwede rang mawala ug mabuwagan ta, pero ang gugma sa atong mga ginikanan, dili mawala (No matter what, our parents will always accept us. A boyfriend may come and go, but the love of our parents will never disappear),” she said.

Other contestants received special awards, including Miss Photogenic, voted by the HFG staff online, as well as Best in Gown, Best in Production Number, and Best in Talent.

She will represent the center in the upcoming Miss Juana pageant to celebrate Women’s Month, where clients and residents from DSWD 7 Centers and Residential Care Facilities will compete in March 2025.

As of February 26, 2025, the Home for Girls currently houses 46 residents, each with various cases of abuse and exploitation. ###

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