It is not every day that a government agency praises a celebrity for unpacking childhood trauma, but here we are.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) publicly applauded actress Liza Soberano for opening up about the abuse she endured while growing up in the United States.

The DSWD, not exactly known for Hollywood flair, issued an official statement commending her courage.

“Speaking up about one’s past is never easy, especially for children who have gone through painful and traumatic experiences,” said Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao. “It’s like revisiting wounds that haven’t fully healed. That’s why we deeply respect and value those who come forward despite the difficulty.”

The CWC, meanwhile, cut to the chase.

“Liza’s story reflects the painful reality that many Filipino children continue to face, growing up in environments that expose them to trauma, instability, and harm from those who are meant to nurture them,” the council said. “No child should endure physical, emotional, or psychological suffering at the hands of their own parents or guardians. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen our protective mechanisms to ensure that every child grows up in a safe, loving, and supportive environment.”

Liza herself admitted the weight of going public with her painful past.

“All of me dreads sharing the most intimate parts of my soul, just for people to judge and diminish my experiences,” she wrote on Instagram.

Yet she pressed on.

She reasoned, “If I don’t speak up out of discomfort or fear, what chance do all the scared and voiceless women and children that are still in dangerous situations have?”

Intentionally or not, Liza is holding up a mirror to society and daring us not to look away.