The Haven – National Center for Women celebrated its 24^th Founding Anniversary on September 27, 2019 at KC De Venecia Gymnasium, Northgate Avenue, Filinvest Corporate, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, with the theme, “Serbisyong maasahan sa pagsulong ng patas na karapatan ng kababaihan.”

The activity started with opening ceremonies led by the staff and selected residents of Haven for Women. This momentous activity was participated in by the center’s partners and donors such as the Lighthouse Ministry, Department of Justice – Ayacat, Catholic Women’s League, The Feast Alabang, NCTI,  Pafcific, Office of the Solicitors General, Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Congressional Spouses, Rotary Club of Makati, Barangay Alabang, Wells Fargo, and BPI Alabang.

On behalf of the Regional Director, Ms. Edna J. Sacedor, Assistant Regional Director for Operations, extended her gratitude to all the partners and donors of the institution who came and actively participated in the program. “Maraming salamat sa inyong pagpunta at patuloy na pagsuporta sa Haven for Women, malaki ang inyong kontribusyon sa buhay ng bawat isa sa mga residente ng ating institusyon. Huwag po sana kayong magsasawang tumulong para sa mas ikabubuti ng ating mga residente.” Ms. Sacedor expressed.

One of the residents of Haven for Women, Ms. Jessa Mae Ablong, “Kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa Haven for Women sa tulong at pag-aaruga na ibinibigay ninyo sa bawa’t kababaihan, dito namin nalaman ang kahalagahan ng isang babae at kung paano ipaglaban ang aming karapatan, kami ang magiging sandigan ng mga babeng sinasaktan at inaabuso, kami ang kanilang magiging lakas ng loob at magiging inspirasyon. Taos-puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng bumubuo ng Haven for Women at ng DSWD, kasama ang mga partners at donors na walang sawang tumutulong sa amin. Maraming salamat po.”

Following the speech of Ms. Ablong, the ceremonial turnover took place with the PAFCIFIC—the new donor of Haven for Women. Partners and Donors were recognized through a plaque of recognition for their undying support to the residents of the center.

Mr. Boy Hernandez of the Lighthouse Ministry, one of the partners of Haven for Women gave his testimy: “Taos-puso po kaming nagpapasalamat sa pamunuan ng DSWD at Haven for Women sa pagkilala sa aming samahan, sa mahigit 20 taon naming pagiging kaisa ng Haven. Kami ay hindi titigil at magsasawang tumulong at maglingkod sa mga residente; iyon ay isa sa aming commitment upang masigurado ang mabuting kapakanan ng mga kababaihan sa loob ng Haven for Women.”

The event did not only celebrate the donor’s participation in the improvement of the institution but also to recognize the outstanding staff who served the center.  Certificates of recognition and loyalty awards were given to the Top 10 staff that put extra effort in their performance.

Ms. Cynthia B. Generoso, Social Welfare Assistant, was awarded as one of the Best Social Welfare Assistants for 1^st Level. She shared her experiences in working and serving the residents of Haven for Women.  “Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa aking mga nakasamsa sa Haven for Women, masaya ang aking puso sa paglilingkod at pagtulong sa mga kababaihan ng Haven for Women,” said Ms. Generoso.

To formally end the activity, Ms. Vivian A. Gabriel, the Chairperson of Haven for Women’s 24^th Anniversary, gave her closing remarks by gracefully acknowledging the efforts and support of the residents, donors, and partners who attended the activity.

Haven for Women is a temporary shelter managed by DSWD-NCR which provides protective custody to women ages 18-59 years old. ###