Life-changing connections

CEBU, Philippines - One organization in Western Samar has proven that involving the whole community helps in promoting the welfare of women and children.

Early Beginnings

With 28 years of serving the community under its belt, the Western Samar Development Foundation, Inc. (WESADEF) has come a long way, from providing livelihood projects to protecting women and children.

WESADEF is a non-profit, non-government organization composed of stakeholders from different sectors. It helps communities in Western Samar, particularly Calbayog City, and the municipalities of Sta. Margarita, Gandara and San Jorge.

When it was founded in 1987, the organization was geared toward helping the community by providing livelihood programs. After seven years, WESADEF brought its work to a higher level as it focused on entrepreneurship development, providing assistance in rice production, mat weaving, and vegetable and livestock production.

Rebirth

Five years later, however, its founders and members realized that there was a more critical concern that needed to be addressed in order to achieve a more holistic result. Thus, WESADEF streamlined its programs and focused on the prevention of family violence – considered as the key to strengthening the quality of family life.

With this change in focus and thrust, the organization has helped over 1,248 women entrepreneurs, 120 families, and 1,209 victims of child abuse.

Some of those assisted by WESADEF are housed at Balay Consuelo, a shelter for abused children, established and operated by the group. They also created the Women’s Resource Center, a venue where underprivileged women receive help from the People of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Human Security project.

When WESADEF restructured its mission and vision into helping women and children in need, it institutionalized the Bantay Abuso Network (BAN). This circle of NGOs, government organizations, the academe and media works together to protect the welfare of children and women.

Throughout the years, more groups and individuals have joined WESADEF in its programs.

“We do not receive (an) honorarium. Sometimes, (we are given an amount) for gasoline. Basically volunteer work. It is a commitment (that) will remain as long as services are needed. It is a sharing of talent,” said Engineer Ronilo Hernandez, who has been a member of the WESADEF Board of Directors for 20 years now.

Better lives

 WESADEF has placed at its core its advocacy in protecting the welfare of women and children.

The organization has come up with a manual outlining and defining the protocol in handling child abuse cases. After the approval of three town councils and one city council, the protocol continues to be used by all four local government units.

One highlight of the protocol allows only one single child-friendly interview to be conducted in the presence of the PNP, social worker, and doctor. This lessens the trauma on the child, compared with the regular process that used to entail several interviews.

According to Artemio Labagalla Ballos Jr., a kagawad as well as the Federation President of Ayupanan Kontra Abuso (AKA), the advocacy of WESADEF has resulted in the decrease in the incidence of abuse among women and children in their area.  AKA is an alliance organized through the efforts of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children.

WESADEF’S campaign has not only reached sitios and barangays, but also schools, since it believes in the importance of inculcating respect for other people’s rights and fighting for one’s rights in the minds of the youth.

Amelia Cabral, AKA President in Calabayog City, attested that the organization’s information drive in schools has increased awareness, especially among teachers, in becoming more sensitive to the needs and sentiments of students.

“WESADEF is a resource in the community,” said Betty Jane Vergara Arviejo, Calbayog City Social Welfare and Development Officer.

Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino stated that it would be a big loss if WESADEF would stop its operations, as it greatly contributes to efforts in addressing the problem of poverty in the city. Aquino also highlighted WESADEF’s commitment in taking part in the city’s programs.

Shelter

In Sta. Margarita town, the organization was instrumental in the establishment of a Child Protection Unit (CPU) intended for child abuse victims. The CPU was designed not as a regular clinic, which could trigger fear among children, but featured child-friendly rooms that would make them feel safe and comfortable. Funds for this project were sourced from their project partner Consuelo Foundation.

Handling all child abuse cases in one location at the CPU, victims are provided with comprehensive physical exams, medical management and counseling, a multi-disciplinary interview, forensic investigation, safety and risk management, family therapy, court representation, legal assistance, and transient shelter.

At the same time, WESADEF’s Balay Consuelo in Calabayog City serves as a safe haven for many children.

A home away from home, Balay Consuelo is a two-story house with enough room for 32 children. Children get access to a library, computer room, and a lounge area. It features a big lawn and vegetable garden in its backyard. Its peaceful space offers a safe environment for healing.

Balay Consuelo houses children for up to two years. It shelters children whose cases are still in court, awaiting trial, or when perpetrators of child abuse are family members and it is deemed unsafe for the child to go home.

(Western Samar Development Foundation, Inc., or SIKAP, is one of five finalists in the institution category of the 6th RAFI Triennial Awards. The winner will be revealed on Friday, August 14.)