Dressed in long gowns and gorgeous outfits, selected Haven for Women staff and residents stunningly walked on the runway during the center’s 19th founding anniversary celebration which carries the theme, Reminiscing Women of Empowerment: A Fashion Show for a Cause.

They portrayed nineteen (19) different personalities who have significant contribution to women empowerment such as Former President Corazon Aquino, politician; Jessica Soho, broadcast journalist; Anna Marie Julaton, professional boxer; and Venus Raj, beauty queen, among others.

Vanessa, not her real name, shared that she was really happy while she was walking on the runway. “Una kinakabahan po ako kasi baka madapa ako, pero nung makita ko na masaya at nagpapalakpakan ang mga tao, lumakas po ang loob ko. Masaya po ako at sisikapin ko rin pong maging inspirasyon sa iba (At first I was nervous because I was afraid that I would stumble down, but when I saw that the audience were happy and heard their cheers, I became confident. I am happy and I will strive to be an inspiration also to others),” she enthused.

Further, Congresswoman Gina De Venecia, 4th District, Pangasinan, founder and former president of Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. (CSFI), sent congratulatory message to everyone who also gave their time and support to help the disadvantage women, and eventually be reintegrated to their families and communities.

The fashion show is the culmination of a week-long celebration that started on September 22, 2014. The center also conducted mini-parade, mass celebration, family day, women forum and singing competition.

Established in 1995 with the help of the CSFI and various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the Haven for Women has been continuously providing protective and rehabilitative services to women aged 18 to 59 years old. It also promotes and protects the rights and welfare of the disadvantaged.

The center caters to women who are victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and in especially difficult circumstance ###