Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Women and Children’s Crisis CenterThe Haven for Women

DSWD Alabang, Muntinlupa City August 3, 2026 Protect. Hope. Heal. Targeting to strengthen mental health support for women and children, the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWFLI) spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for the Women and Children's Crisis Center—the first facility of its kind in the Philippines—at The Haven for Women Compound in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. The construction of the center aims to enhance and strengthen mental health services, particularly for vulnerable sectors. The initiative is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to expand access to quality mental health care and provide comprehensive support to those who need it most. The project also complements the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (Republic Act No. 12080), signed by the President, which mandates the establishment of mental health and well-being centers in public schools, the deployment of guidance counselors, and the implementation of regular counseling sessions and other mental health programs. The President has consistently emphasized that mental health is a public health priority. "Kapag ganap nang natapos ang pasilidad na ito, hindi lamang ito magiging sentro ng psychiatric at psychological services. Magiging tahanan ito ng pag-asa," said Pangasinan 4th District Representative Gina de Venecia, founder and co-president of AWFLI, together with Bulacan 4th District Representative Linabelle Villarica. The project is supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc., the Senate of the Philippines, Archion, and the City Government of Muntinlupa. Construction is expected to be completed by 2027. At present, the DSWD operates 15 The Haven for Women Regional Centers nationwide, as well as The Haven for Children, which provides care and rehabilitation for children who have gone astray, and The Haven for the Elderly in Tanay, Rizal. The agency has also strengthened protection mechanisms for women by advocating the establishment of Women's Desks in police stations across the country. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several government officials and distinguished guests, including former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, former DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, former Senator Cynthia Villar, and other public servants and stakeholders committed to promoting the welfare and well-being of the Filipino people. Guided by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision, the Women and Children's Crisis Center reflects the nation's commitment to ensuring that every Filipino has access to a safer, healthier, and more compassionate Bagong Pilipinas. Connect with RTVM Website: http://rtvm.gov.ph Facebook: www.facebook.com/presidentialcom and www.facebook.com/rtvmalacanang YouTube: @RTVMalacanang Tiktok: @RTVMalacanang