For nearly two decades, Bahay Pag-asa has been more than just a facility. It has served as a nurturing home where children facing conflict and difficult circumstances are given opportunities to heal, grow, and rebuild their lives
The Davao City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) celebrated the 18th anniversary of the Children’s Village Bahay Pag-asa in Tugbok District on August 19
Established under Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, Bahay Pag-asa provides shelter, specialized custody, and holistic care to Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children at Risk (CAR)
Jeffrey John Sison, Center Manager of Bahay Pag-asa, emphasized that nurturing children takes patience, compassion, and dedication, along with the courage to look beyond their mistakes and recognize the potential within each child
“Ang Bahay Pag-asa kay dili lang usa ka pasilidad, usa ka building, it’s a home built on second chances. Throughout these 18 years, this center has been a refuge where broken dreams are carefully built together. Pila na ka mga kabataan ang nisulod diri nga nawadan og pag laum apan nigawas nga mas lig-on, mas maalamon ug andam na nga mubago sa ilahang kinabuhi (The Bahay Pag-asa is not just a facility, a building, it’s a home built on second chances. Throughout these 18 years, this center has been a refuge where broken dreams are carefully built together. There are many children who have entered here feeling hopeless but left stronger, wiser, and ready to change their lives),” he said
Sison added that transformation goes beyond rehabilitation, focusing on equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to reshape their futures
City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in his message, expressed his appreciation for the dedication of social workers, volunteers, parents, and partners who continue to nurture the children’s hope and help build better futures where they can heal, grow, and flourish
“Sa atoang kabataan nga anaa dinhi, nanghinaot kami nga magpadayon kamo sa pag pa ningkamot alang sa mas maayong kaugmaon ug aron makab-ot ang inyohang pangandoy sa kinabuhi. Ang matag usa ka ninyo, adunay daghan potensyal ug kapasidad nga mag lamboon sa kinabuhi og mahimo nga inspirasyon sa uban (To our youth who are here, we hope that you continue to strive for a better future and achieve your dreams in life. Each one of you has great potential and the capacity to thrive in life and become an inspiration to others),” he added
The Children’s Village provides psychosocial support, health and nutrition services, socio-cultural activities, spiritual guidance, family preservation, case management, and educational assistance, all aimed at restoring dignity and preparing residents for reintegration into society
Beyond psychosocial support, one of its programs is dreamcatcher-making. These creations are sold during youth-led events and through staff offices, with social workers documenting the proceeds to help residents establish livelihood projects when they return to their communities
Conrad, a former resident who spent a year at Bahay Pag-asa, also encouraged the young residents to practice discipline in their studies, work, and family life. He reminded them that leaving Bahay Pag-asa should mean more than completing rehabilitation—it should be a step toward a life with direction, purpose, and hope.
“Ipakita ninyo pina agi sa inyohang disiplina, sa inyohang trabaho, sa inyohang pag eskwela. Inyong pag atiman sa inyohang pamilya ug sainyohang bago nga lifestyle. Pag abot sa adlaw nga mugawas mo diri, dili lang mo mugawas nga mahuman ni inyohang rehabilitation, kung dili mugawas mo nga adunay direction, adunay purpose, adunay plano ug adunay pag-laum. Labaw sa tanan, adunay Ginoo nga masaligan. Sabaya og pag-ampo ang inyohang pangandoy, sabaya og lihok. Ayaw pag kapoy, ayaw mo og surrender (Show it through your discipline, your work, and your studies. Show it through the way you care for your family and embrace your new lifestyle. When the day comes for you to leave here, do not simply leave after completing your rehabilitation. Leave with direction, purpose, plans, and hope. Above all, have faith in God. Accompany your dreams with prayer and action. Do not grow weary and do not give up),” he said. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: E. Morata