The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said that the "Bahay Pag-asa (House of Hope)," the first such facility completed and established in Cagayan Valley (Region 2) this year, was inaugurated in Cabagan, Isabela.
***(Photo courtesy of DILG)***
In a statement, the DILG Region 2 Office noted that the center was funded through the incentive won by the municipal town of Cabagan as one of the 2022 Seal of Good Local Government (SGLG) awardees.
The Bahay Pag-asa serves as a short-term sanctuary for children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the Law (CICL) in support of a restorative justice and welfare system in a protective and enabling environment.
Instead of being considered as criminals, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) of 2006 views CICLs and CARs as victims brought about by their bleak experiences and the negative effects of the physical environment.
DILG Isabela Provincial Director Corazon D. Toribio commended the Cabagan town for their public service.
She cited Cabagan town mayor Christopher Mamauag for his "loyalty, managerial skills and exemplary leadership qualities" in running the affairs of the municipality as local chief executive (LCE).
The DILG Isabela chief also acknowledged the Cabagan town officials for their dedication for continuously providing genuine service to their constituents.
While commending them, Toribio also challenged the Cabagan town officials to secure the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) accreditation to enable them to serve the adjacent localities in the province.
Mamauag thanked the local officials and other municipal employees for performing their tasks to the hilt and dedication that led to the completion of the Bahay Pag-asa project.
He pointed out that the mayors need to identify the lapses in public service to make the necessary adjustments and provide the people with the appropriate assistance that they sorely need.