Cordillera Administrative Region- The air was filled with the sound of waves and it tastes salty but sweet. That morning was different. And in a way, it was refreshing.
Far from the cold breeze of the City of Pines, warmth greeted the residents of Regional Haven for Women and Girls (Regional Haven) as they arrived in San Juan, La Union on 8 April 2025. Sixteen (16) center residents were set to embark on a transformative environmental conservation journey through the Ridge to Reef Program of the Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA). CURMA is a non-government organization which aims to create a sense of responsibility and action in local communities focusing on fostering care for the environment through programs and partnerships that are nature-based and community-centered.
The said activity is part of the Regional Haven’s treatment plan to assist the resident in their rehabilitation. The Regional Haven for Women and Girls (Regional Haven) a facility for vulnerable, disadvantaged and abused Women needing of protective custody and psychosocial care. The Center aims to provide protection, proper intervention andrehabilitation services to women and girls who are victims of violence, abuse, and exploitation. Residents admitted in the Center are provided with interventions labelled as SHEPHERDS- social services, homelife services, educational services, psychological services, health services, economic services, recreational services, developmental services, and spiritual services.
“The [Regional] Haven is committed to supporting its residents as they navigate what may be the most challenging period of their lives. Our mission goes beyond the services provided within the walls of our institution—we actively collaborate with partner organizations to offer comprehensive, holistic interventions. By leveraging both internal resources and external programs, we strive to provide the most effective and compassionate support possible, helping each resident move toward healing, empowerment, and a brighter future”, Center Head and Regional Center Coordinator Rojhelea An Marie S. Claur said.
CURMA’s Ridge to Reef Program engages its participants in holistic environmental safeguarding activities including coastal cleanups, turtle hatchery visits, sea conservation workshops, upland hikes, forest bathing, and native tree planting which connects ecosystems from ridge to reef.
Through the activity, the participants were able to identify their role in effecting positive changes in the environment, express alleviation from negative feelings, and find symbolic healing in restoring nature.
Sophie, not her real name, is one of the residents who participated in the activity. Being raised in Baguio City, she expressed deep appreciation on the experience. “First time ko lang pong pumunta [sa beach] kaya sobrang saya ko po at nag-enjoy po ako at natuto din po akong tumulong sa kalikasan gaya ng pagpupulot ng basura sa dalampasigan. at kung paano tutulungan [ang mga hayop sa karagatan]. Masaya po [ako] tapos nakarelax po yung katawan, ‘yung isip ko po… na peace of mind”, she said.
Sophie said that she was able to connect with the turtles. “Naimagine ko po ‘yung sarili ko sakanila kasi ‘yung pag-iiwan sakanila ng magulang nila at sila na din po nagpapalaki sa sarili nila naaawa po ako dun tas naimagine ko yung sarili ko sakanila. Ang wish ko sana po ay pagbalik nila kasama na nila na ang magulang niya. Hinihiling ko din po na sana mangyari din ‘yun saakin” she added.
On the other hand, Leah and Kristine, not their real name, said that the activity has helped them cope with the traumatic experiences that she had.
“Thankful po [ako sa ganitong activity] kasi alam nilang madami kaming pinagdadaanan tapos alam din po nila kung paano kami magheheal sa past na ‘yun at para din tulungan nila kaming magheal sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong activities. Iyong mga other activities [din namin] nakakalimutan namin yung problem namin at nakakalimutan namin ‘yung traumas namin” Leah said.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa DSWD kasi po di kami napapabayaan tapos gusto nila ‘yung masaya kami kaya nabibigay po nila yung mga gusto namin na mag outdoor po kami. Tapos ang swerte swerte nga po namin kasi nga po hindi po talaga kami pinabayaan, kahit anong sugat po sa katawan wala po. Super saya po namin na minsan lang to sa amin” Kristine said.
The activity had not just provided opportunity for the residents to enjoy and unwind. They were also able to realize life lessons that they plan to bring as they leave the Center when they are fully rehabilitated for reintegration to their families and communities.
“[Natutunan ko pong] magpalaya. Kahit anong ginawa saiyo, kailangan pong magpalaya” Leah said.
“[Ang buhay po] parang pag-hatch ng eggs. Hindi mo dapat madaliin lahat ng nangyayari sa’yo parang mas maganda pag dinahandahan. Marami kang maeexperience ng matagal, mas marami kang matututunan. Pag matagal mo siyang pinag-aaralan kumpara sa mabilis, mabilis din po itong mawala sa iyong memory”, Kristine said.
The Regional Haven for Women and Girls is one of the three (3) Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) managed by the DSWD FO CAR. Other two (2) include the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) and the Reception Study Center for Children (RSCC). These CRCFs aim to provide 24-hour temporary residential care to disadvantaged and vulnerable sector including women, children, and youth who are in need of protection and rehabilitation services.
Individuals who may need the services of the Regional Haven may report to their respective Local Social Welfare and Development Office or visit the Regional Haven at #40 North Drive Baguio City. #DSWD-CAR, Social Marketing Unit, Nerizza Faye G. Villanueva-Trinidad, Information Officer II
