Women, children center operational by next year

CEBU, Philippines - The first Cebu Provincial Women and Children Development Center in Barangay Sudlon, Cebu City will be operational early next year.

 Cebu provincial government officials inaugurated yesterday the P9.3-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.

 Provincial Engineer Hector Jamora said the facility - which includes three dormitory-type structure, chapel, social hall or activity area, and administration building - is just the first phase of the CPWCDC.

 Jamora said the livelihood center is still being constructed.

 He said the second phase includes the construction of three additional dormitories and perimeter fence. Bidding is set for January.

 The facility can accommodate up to 40 children and women, according to Marivic Garces, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

 The provincial government set aside P10 million for the construction of the center, which has a 40-bed capacity.

 Governor Hilario Davide III said the center will look after the welfare of women and children, which the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children and Provincial Women's Commission are mandated to.

 "Finally the province has its own center na gyod, di na modangop sa DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) kay duna man sila'y kaugalingon center pud, but now with this center, ato na gyud kaugalingon di na ta kinahanglan modangop o moadto mangayo og assistance sa DSWD," he said.

 "Part sa mandate to give assistance sa abuse women and children nga modangop sa PCWC. We house them give them assistance, give them livelihood training. Mawala ang trauma."

 Once the center is operational, it will be manned by social workers.

 It was in 2012 that the Capitol last conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the project. At least three groundbreaking ceremonies were held in the past years.

 The project did not push through in the past years because one homeowner refused to vacate the lot, where the center sits. (FREEMAN)