DSWD Center Development Office

13/08/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻, 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀. ⏳🩺

The 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 (𝗖𝗗𝗢), in partnership with the 𝗗𝗦𝗪𝗗 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 and 𝗗𝗦𝗪𝗗 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗫, successfully conducted the 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 (𝗕𝗟𝗦) 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 on 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟰–𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲, at Manuel Resort, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte.

Through lectures, hands-on practice, and skills demonstrations, participants strengthened their competencies in 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗖𝗣𝗥), 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 (𝗔𝗘𝗗) 𝘂𝘀𝗲, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴, and 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻-𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. The sessions equipped participants with essential knowledge and practical skills needed to respond effectively to medical emergencies.

The activity was graced by 𝗗𝗦𝗪𝗗 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗫 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻 𝗣. 𝗛𝗮𝗱𝗷𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻, 𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗢 𝗜𝗜𝗜; 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗮. 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼 𝗦. 𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗼; 𝗔𝗩𝗥𝗖 𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝗜 𝗔𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗧. 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗮-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝘁𝗶𝗺; and 𝗖𝗗𝗢 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗠𝘀. 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗠. 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗼.

The activity also provided an avenue for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among DSWD offices and partner agencies. The 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱–𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲, led by 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗗𝗥 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗹 𝗕. 𝗗𝘂𝗮 𝗣𝗖𝗚, 𝗠𝗣𝗔, 𝗠𝗦𝗰𝗠𝗘𝗧, provided valuable technical support through resource persons 𝗟𝗧𝗝𝗚 𝗗𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗱 𝗕. 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗼 𝗣𝗖𝗚, 𝗟𝗧 𝗕𝗿𝘆𝗮𝗻 𝗠. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗖 𝗣𝗖𝗚, 𝗦𝗡𝟮 𝗠𝘂𝘇𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗿 𝗨. 𝗧𝗲𝗼 𝗣𝗖𝗚, 𝗦𝗪𝟭 𝗙𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗮 𝗦. 𝗢𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗖𝗚, and 𝗦𝗪𝗜 𝗝𝗼𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗲 𝗙. 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗖𝗚. Their expertise and guidance contributed significantly to the successful delivery of the BLS skills sessions.

By strengthening life-saving competencies, CRCF personnel are better prepared to respond promptly and appropriately when medical emergencies arise. More than technical skills, the training reflects the DSWD’s commitment to compassionate, safe, and quality residential care. Together, we continue to build a workforce that is 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆, 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀. 💙

12/08/2026

MALIGAYANG PAGDATING SA AVRC III, DIREKTOR ROWELA!
A warm welcome to AVRC III, Region IX, Zamboanga City to Director Rowela Hizon of the Center Development Office (CDO) and Ms. Jocelyn Mercado, Division Chief of the National Inspectorate Division!
The visit became even more meaningful as Director Rowela personally toured the Center and took time to greet and connect with our clients in every training room. Her warm presence brought encouragement and smiles to our clients as they proudly showcased their skills and ongoing training.
Thank you for visiting AVRC III and for sharing your time, support, and encouragement with our clients and the entire AVRC III team! 💙

11/08/2026

Learning becomes more meaningful when knowledge and experiences are shared.
On 29 July 2026, Nutritionist-Dietitians (NDs) from DSWD Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) across various Field Offices came together virtually through “ND-Connect: Meet, Share, and Learn.”
The session created a space to reconnect, exchange experiences, and learn from one another, featuring an engaging icebreaker and presentations highlighting Nutrition Month initiatives from selected CRCFs. These showcased creative approaches and promising practices in promoting proper nutrition and the overall well-being of clients.
Through meaningful professional exchange, ND-Connect strengthens collaboration and supports the continuous improvement of nutrition services—contributing to more holistic, responsive, and client-centered care across DSWD’s CRCFs.
Because when we connect, we share. When we share, we learn. And when we learn together, we care better. 💙🍎

11/08/2026

11/08/2026

Being present. Listening with purpose. Caring with compassion. 💙

DSWD Undersecretary for the Operations Group Monina Josefina “Pinky” H. Romualdez personally visited the Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) under Field Office XII, taking time to engage with residents and frontline personnel, witness their actual conditions, and listen to their experiences and concerns.

Joining Usec. Pinky were Assistant Secretary for Protective Programs Ada A. Colico, CIP Director Lea B. Bangalan, CDO Director Rowela F. Hizon, CDO-NID Officer-in-charge Jocelyn N. Mercado, and FO XII-PSD Division Chief Nanig C. Sanoy, together with FO XII Regional Director Loreto V. Cabaya Jr., ARDA Norhata C. Benito, ARDO Bonifacio V. Selma, and RCC Head Jehanne Malawani-Dari.

Such meaningful engagements further strengthen the Center Development Office’s commitment to continuously improve DSWD’s CRCFs and advance their transformation into Centers of Excellence—safe, nurturing, inclusive, and empowering spaces where quality, compassion, innovation, accountability, and dignity are reflected in every service and every act of care.

05/08/2026

𝐋𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. ✨

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), together with the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI) spearheaded the 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲'𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 (𝐖𝐂𝐂𝐂) 𝐨𝐧 𝟑 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 (𝐇𝐅𝐖) 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠, 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐥𝐮𝐩𝐚 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲—a landmark initiative that seeks to provide a safe and nurturing environment for women and children in need of care and protection.

The ceremony was graced by former President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, AWLFI Founder Representative Gina de Venecia, AWLFI Co-President and Bulacan 4th District Rep. Linabelle Villarica, officials of the AWLFI; Bukidnon 3rd district Representative Audrey Zubiri; Archion Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Architect Dan Lichauco; Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. (CSFI) President Ann Dy; House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Rachel Arenas; Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon; Former Senator Cynthia Villar; DPWH Undersecretary Ricardo Bernabe III; former DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa; DOH Undersecretary Vida Aquino; DSWD Assistant Secretary for Protective Programs Ada A. Colico; DSWD Center Development Office (CDO) Director Rowela F. Hizon and other officials and staff from partner national government agencies and private institutions.

Representing DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Undersecretary for Operations Group Monina Josefina "Pinky" H. Romualdez emphasized that the project embodies the collective commitment of the DSWD, the Department of Health (DOH), and other partner agencies to deliver a more responsive, efficient, and holistic recovery and healing process for women and children who are survivors of abuse, neglect, and exploitation in the Philippines.

As the country's first community-based, trauma-informed residential crisis center, the Women and Children Crisis Center will serve as a transitional halfway home for women aged 18 to 59 and children experiencing psychological distress and mental health concerns. Operated by a multidisciplinary team from the DSWD and DOH, the center will provide comprehensive healing programs and temporary residential care to help residents recover, rebuild their lives, and successfully reintegrate into society.

More than a facility, the Women and Children Crisis Center stands as a symbol of hope and compassion for women and children who are survivors of gender-based violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other difficult circumstances—offering them a safe space where healing, protection, and a brighter future can begin.

05/08/2026

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian paid a meaningful visit to Elsie Gaches Village (EGV) to personally assess the condition of the facility and ensure that the needs of its residents remain at the forefront of the Department’s commitment to compassionate and quality care.

Joining the Secretary during the visit were Assistant Secretary for the Disaster Response Management Group Irene B. Dumlao, Center Development Office Director Rowela F. Hizon, EGV Center Head Farrah A. Cabrera, and the dedicated personnel of the center, reflecting a shared commitment to delivering responsive and client-centered residential care.

During the visit, Secretary Gatchalian received updates on the condition and ongoing care of a six-year-old child from Pililla, Rizal, who was referred to EGV as an abandoned case and is currently receiving specialized care for cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. The discussion underscored the Department’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the health, dignity, and well-being of every client under its care.

The Secretary also took time to listen to the concerns of the center's management and personnel, particularly on strengthening medical and healthcare services. Among the priority needs raised were an additional ambulance for emergency transport, sufficient funding for referrals to medical specialists, and the continuous availability of medicines and essential medical supplies. Infrastructure and electrical concerns affecting the facility's operations were likewise presented to ensure a safer and more responsive environment for both residents and personnel.

04/08/2026

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 ✨

The DSWD Center Development Office (CDO), through the National Inspectorate Division (NID) led by CDO Assistant Director and National Inspectorate Committee (NIC) Vice Chairperson Kaye P. Sacapano, conducted a pre-assessment visit to the Center for Women and Children in Brgy. Carreta, Cebu City under DSWD Field Office VII, reaffirming the Department's unwavering commitment to transforming residential care facilities into Centers of Excellence.

As a vital component of the accreditation process, the activity sought to evaluate the center's readiness, assess its compliance with established standards, and identify opportunities to further enhance the delivery of programs and services for women and children under its care. The pre-assessment likewise served as a platform for meaningful engagement with center personnel, fostering the exchange of best practices, operational improvements, and innovative strategies that uphold quality, safety, and holistic care.

Anchored on the Department's vision of establishing Centers of Excellence, the visit underscored the importance of cultivating safe, nurturing, and empowering environments where women and children can heal, thrive, and rebuild their lives with dignity, resilience, and hope.

Through sustained monitoring, technical assistance, and close collaboration with field offices, the CDO remains steadfast in championing excellence in residential care—ensuring that every center becomes a sanctuary of protection, compassion, inclusivity, and transformative care for the most vulnerable sectors of society.

04/08/2026

Driven by its commitment to uphold the highest standards of care and social protection, Assistant Secretary for Protective Programs Ada A. Colico visited the Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) under DSWD Field Office V, including the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), the Haven for Women and Girls in Ligao City, the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in Oas, Albay, and the new residential care facility currently being constructed in Barangay Estanza, Daraga, Albay.

Beyond assessing infrastructure and operations, the visit served as a meaningful opportunity to connect with the people who dedicate their lives to caring for children, women, and youth in residential care. Through heartfelt conversations with center personnel, Asec Colico listened to their experiences, recognized their invaluable service, and explored ways to further strengthen the programs and interventions that nurture and protect some of the country's most vulnerable sectors.

Assistant Secretary Colico also inspected the ongoing construction of the new residential care facility in Daraga, underscoring the Department's vision of creating safe, nurturing, and inclusive spaces where healing, growth, and hope can flourish. More than buildings, these centers are envisioned as homes that uphold dignity, inspire resilience, and embody the highest standards of care and protection.

As the DSWD Center Development Office (CDO) continues to advance its Centers of Excellence initiative, visits such as these reaffirm the Department's shared mission of transforming CRCFs into places where every child is protected, every woman is empowered, and every young person is given the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Through compassion, collaboration, and unwavering dedication, the DSWD remains steadfast in creating environments where healing begins, lives are transformed, and hope endures.

04/08/2026

The DSWD Center Development Office (CDO), in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection–National Headquarters (BFP-NHQ), conducted a 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐲𝐬 (𝐍𝐓𝐒𝐁) 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲, 𝐑𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐥, 𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟗–𝟑𝟎 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, reaffirming the Department's commitment to strengthening safety standards in residential care facilities and advancing its vision of transforming Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) into Centers of Excellence nationwide.

Led by the CDO Project Management Team and the National Inspectorate Division under the supervision of Jocelyn N. Mercado, the assessment evaluated the Center's facilities and operations, identified priority infrastructure needs, and reinforced interagency collaboration in promoting safe, rights-based, and person-centered care.

The Exit Conference was attended by Undersecretary for Operations Group Monina Josefina "Pinky" H. Romualdez, CDO Director Rowela F. Hizon, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Myla Gatchalian of DSWD Field Office CALABARZON, NTSB Center Head Ellen Balmonte, members of the CDO Technical Team, and BFP-NHQ representatives FO2 Matthew Louise Celis and FO1 Joenile Rhey De Roca.

The assessment team commended NTSB's innovative DIY Luminous Evacuation Plan and its sustained compliance with fire safety standards—initiatives that embody the principles of the Centers of Excellence program, which champions innovation, safety, and quality service delivery in residential care.

Following the conference, Usec. Pinky personally visited the residential cottages of NTSB and spent time with the children, listening to their stories and gaining a deeper understanding of their daily lives and rehabilitation journey. Her visit reflected the Department's unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child in residential care grows up in a safe, nurturing, and compassionate environment where they are protected, valued, and given every opportunity to thrive.

Usec. Pinky likewise visited the Haven for the Elderly (HFE) in Tanay, Rizal, where she warmly interacted with the elderly residents and personnel, sharing meaningful moments and witnessing firsthand the care and support provided to them each day. More than an inspection, the visit served as a heartfelt reminder of the Department's commitment to upholding the dignity, welfare, and well-being of older persons and of its vision to build Centers of Excellence that foster not only safety and quality service, but also a genuine sense of home, belonging, and compassion.

As DSWD continues to pursue its vision of establishing Centers of Excellence nationwide, initiatives such as this strengthen institutional resilience, enhance fire safety preparedness, and reaffirm the Department's promise to create spaces where every child and older person is cared for, respected, and empowered to live with dignity and hope. 💙✨