Five residents of Home for Girls (HFG) competed for the search of Ms. Feb-Ibig 2022 to cap off the February activity of the center.

The five girls competed in different segments that showcased their beauties, poise, talents, and wits for the annual beauty tilt that started in 2020.

During the opening production number, the girls wore a uniform attire and introduced their selves to the audience.

They also showed their dancing skills during the talent segment. In the casual wear segment, they were dressed creatively in recyclable materials with the help of other girls in the HFG.

In the evening gown competition, the girls were judged based on their poise, personal style, and stage presence.

In the question and answer portion, the girls picked a number with a corresponding question. The girls confidently answered the question from their hearts.

Fourteen-year-old Isabela (not her real name) bested the other four girls and won the pageant held at the HFG compound in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City.

Reigning Miss Universe Philippines Beatrice Luigi Gomez supported the girls through a video message.

“Sa upat ka bulan nako nga pagpuyo diri sa Home for Girls, daghan ko nakat-onan sama sa pagkaresponsable ug disiplina sa kaugalingon (In my four months of stay in Home for Girls, I have learned a lot of things like being responsible and being disciplined in oneself),” said Isabela.

During her stay at HFG, she interacts with other girls who have experienced the same situation as her, and they help each other cope with their own traumatic experiences.

She survived human trafficking because of her father’s prompt action to report to the local social welfare and development office.

Isabela admitted she was “maarte” before she entered HFG but said she is a changed person now. She added the pageant developed her self-confidence and her interpersonal skills.

HFG center head Ligaya Dael said the conduct of monthly culminating activities like the Ms. Feb-ibig is part of the rehabilitative activities of the residents during their temporary stay at the center. She added that these activities enable the residents to hone their talents, harness their life skills and at the same time discover their potential.

Currently, HFG has 25 residents under its care.

The Home for Girls (HFG) is managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that serves as a temporary residential facility for victims and survivors of different forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation. It provides alternative family care to children whose needs cannot be met adequately by their loved ones and relatives over a period of time.

The residents undergo holistic restoration and recovery from their experiences and trauma with the help of registered social workers and other center staff to prepare for their reintegration with families after their stay in the center. ###

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