Women and children crisis center, Prov’l gov’t pushes for opening this year

CEBU, Philippines - After at least three groundbreaking ceremonies held in the past years, the proposed first Cebu Provincial Women and Children Crisis Center at Sudlon, Lahug in Cebu City will finally be realized this year.

Cebu provincial government officials broke ground yesterday the P20-million crisis center that will cater to women and children who are victims of any forms of violence and exploitation in the province.

The facility, located at the back of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, will also house children in conflict with the law for the conduct of psychosocial interventions.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who co-chairs the Provincial Women’s Commission and the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children, expressed confidence that the project will be operational soon.

She said a contractor has already been awarded of the contract. It was in 2012 that the Capitol last conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the project.

“Kampante na ko ron kay naa na may bidding… The concern for women and children should be a priority of every LGU (local government unit),” Magpale told reporters.

She said she has no knowledge why the project did not push through in the past years. “We only propose but ang chief executive gyud ang mo-implement.”

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, being the chairman of the Capitol’s commissions, thanked Magpale for lobbying for the project.

He said the crisis center will become a ‘monument of love’ that looks after the welfare of women and children, which the PCWC and PWC are mandated to.

The construction of the center is projected to be completed and operational by July this year. Davide directed the Provincial Engineering Office to supervise the construction.

“Build fast but (do) not sacrifice the quality,” he said in his speech during the ceremony.

The provincial government set aside P10 million for the construction of the center, which will have a 40-bed capacity and to be built in a lot owned by the Capitol.

Magpale said the amount is already sufficient to make the facility operational, as assured by the engineering office.

But Magpale said there is still budget coming from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to fund the expansion of the building.

“There is going to be livelihood center, duna sa kabataan, duna sa adults… To run the center is not easy. But we were assured of the assistance of the national government for this. I personally went to Manila to see (DSWD) Secretary Dinky (Soliman),” she added.

Once the crisis center is operational, it will be manned by social workers and doctors. — (FREEMAN)