The Davao City Crisis Intervention Center (CIC)–Balay Dangupan continues to stand as a pillar of hope and support for young survivors of abuse, reaffirming the city’s commitment to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
For more than three decades since its establishment in 1994, Balay Dangupan has provided sanctuary to young girls, combining shelter, psychosocial care, and education.
Rizza Grace P. Naive, RSW, Center Overseer of the CIC Balay Dangupan said during the ISpeak Media Forum on November 13, 2025, that the center plays a critical role in safeguarding children from abuse, especially children who suffer from household or domestic violence.
“Dako gyud sya’g tabang sa atung mga abused children, especially kung household or domestic ang violence kay we will be pulling them out sa ilahang mga homes and then place them in a safe and nurturing environment, which is ang Balay Dangupan (The center is truly a big help to our abused children, especially in cases of household or domestic violence, because we will be pulling them out of their homes and then place them in a safe and nurturing environment, which is Balay Dangupan),” she said.
More than a shelter, Balay Dangupan provides structured daily activities focused on psychosocial trauma healing and recovery, ensuring survivors to regain stability and confidence. The center currently has two classrooms with three DepEd teachers deployed onsite, allowing the children to continue learning without leaving the facility.
Meanwhile, the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), through its 15 district offices, provides aftercare services, monitoring, and follow-ups to guarantee that survivors remain safe even after reintegration.
She added that reintegration decisions are carefully guided by social worker assessments, with the child’s safety as the foremost priority. The children will never be returned to their homes unless their protection from perpetrators is guaranteed.
Naive also encouraged children who may be quietly enduring abuse to speak up, assuring them that Balay Dangupan is always ready to provide the support and protection they need.
“Ayaw gyud mo kaikog, ayaw mo kahadlok og sulti sa mga experience ninyo na kalisod. Kami sa Balay Dangupan, andam mi always nga mutabang sainyoha ilabi na katung nag pa hilom-hilom dinha nga naka sinati og pang abuso, ayaw gyud mo kahadlok. Naay mutabang andam kaninyo (Do not be ashamed, and do not be afraid to speak about the hardships you have experienced. At Balay Dangupan, we are always ready to help you, especially those who have kept silent despite suffering abuse. Do not be afraid to speak up, we are ready to help you),” she added.
Currently, the facility houses 48 children from Davao City, ages ranging from 3 to 25 years old, all safe within its care. CIO
