For more than three decades, The Crisis Intervention Center (CIC) – Balay Dangupan has stood as a pillar of hope and resilience for young girls who are victims of abuse and violence, offering a safe space where protection, compassionate care, and psychosocial support remain at the heart of its mission.
Balay Dangupan celebrated its 32nd anniversary on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The center implements structured daily activities focused on psychosocial trauma healing and recovery. It also provides classrooms with teachers assigned onsite, allowing children to continue their education seamlessly within the facility.
City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, in his message, said that the city continues its commitment in upholding the rights of every young Dabawenyos and ensuring a safer community for children.
“The City Government of Davao reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rights of every young Dabawenyo and ensuring a safer community where abused has no place to propagate,” he said.
“It is our hope that we continue to work hand in hand and remain a reliable pillar of strength and compassion. Helping these children rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential,” he added.
Duterte emphasized that this milestone is a testament to the dedication of the administration staff, personnels and valued partners, extending gratitude for their unconditional support in fostering an environment dedicated to the well-being of the children.
Julie Dayaday, head of the Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), also urged the girls to make wise choices, reminding them the importance of choosing what is right even when faced with challenges.
“What you are going through is a chapter in your life. It is not the whole story. Wala pa nahuman ang inyohang storya. Ang mga kalisdanan nga inyohang na agian dili na mao ang katapusan na kapitulo sa inyohang kinabuhi. There are still dreams to dream, places to go, people to meet and beautiful things that God can do in your lives (What you are going through is a chapter in your life. It is not the whole story. Your story is not yet finished. The difficulties you have faced are not the final chapter of your life. There are still dreams to dream, places to go, people to meet and beautiful things that God can do in your lives),” she said.
For Ate Epin, a former CIC-BID resident, her journey stands a testament to the strength and resilience nurtured within the facility. She shared that no matter the hardships faced, or the times one may stumble, the true measure of strength lies in the courage to rise again and keep moving forward.
“Maminaw ta kung unsay itudlo sa atoa. Kinahanglan naa tay gina tawag og GLLA attitude. Kanang good learning and listening attitude nga kabalo ta maminaw sa atoang mga ate ug kuya. Musunod ta. Bisan pa man sa atoang na agian, nadagma nata, mubangon ta, mubarog. Kung unsa man ang atoang na agian karon, isog ta nga mubarog para mulahotay ta niining kalibutan. Importante sad nga naa tay respeto sa matag-usa (Let’s listen to what is being taught to us. We need to have what we call a GLLA attitude. That good learning and listening attitude where we know how to listen to our older siblings. We will follow. Even though we have faced challenges, we have stumbled, we will rise, we will stand firm. Whatever we are going through right now, let us stand strong so we can endure in this world. It’s also important that we have respect for each other),” she said.
Currently, the facility houses 53 children, ages ranging from 4 to 24 years old. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar