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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Women legislators launch country's first Women and Children's Crisis Center

Women legislators launch country's first Women and Children's Crisis Center

Published Aug 3, 2026 03:13 pm
WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S CRISIS CENTER – Shown in photo during the groundbreaking rites are (from left): Rep. Jaime Fresnedi; Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon; former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; Rep. Krisel Lagman; Rep. Gina de Venecia and Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica, co-presidents of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI); Rep. Marly Hofer-Hasim; Rep. Audrey Zubiri; Rep. Giselle Maceda; former Sen. Cynthia Villar; Rep. Tina Pancho (partly hidden); Christine Dy of CSFI; Rep. Ching Bernos, and Deputy Speaker Rachel Arenas. (Photo by Liezle Inigo)
WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S CRISIS CENTER – Shown in photo during the groundbreaking rites are (from left): Rep. Jaime Fresnedi; Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon; former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; Rep. Krisel Lagman; Rep. Gina de Venecia and Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica, co-presidents of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI); Rep. Marly Hofer-Hasim; Rep. Audrey Zubiri; Rep. Giselle Maceda; former Sen. Cynthia Villar; Rep. Tina Pancho (partly hidden); Christine Dy of CSFI; Rep. Ching Bernos, and Deputy Speaker Rachel Arenas. (Photo by Liezle Inigo)
The country's first Women and Children's Crisis Center was formally launched on Monday, Aug. 3, at The Haven for Women in Alabang, Muntinlupa City through a partnership among the Philippine Congress, national government agencies, the City Government of Muntinlupa, and the private sector.
Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Gina de Venecia spearheaded the project with Bulacan 4th District Rep. Linabelle Villarica, co-presidents of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI), together with Bukidnon 3rd District Rep. Audrey Zubiri, the Lady Legislators of the House of Representatives, and the Senate of the Philippines.
Joining the collaboration are the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the Department of Health (DOH) under Secretary Brix Pujalte, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) led by Secretary Vince Dizon, the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. headed by Mrs. Ann Dy, and the local government of Muntinlupa under Mayor Ruffy Biazon.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s priority to strengthen mental health services, as highlighted in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), while expanding protection and holistic support for vulnerable sector members.
Once operational, the center will provide psychiatric and psychological care, crisis intervention, trauma-informed treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery programs in a safe and dignified environment.
The facility was designed by Archion Architects, led by renowned architect Dan Lichauco, whose portfolio includes major healthcare projects such as the Philippine General Hospital Felicidad Sy Multi-Specialty Building, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center Tower 2 Expansion, the National Children’s Hospital, and the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital in Pampanga.
Rep. de Venecia underscored the importance of the project, saying, “Mental health is a 
fundamental human right, and every Filipina deserves access to compassionate,dignified, and world-class care during her most vulnerable moments.”
De Venecia said the project reflects a collective commitment to ensure that women facing mental health challenges and crisis receive compassionate and world-class care, while Villarica described the facility as a sanctuary where survivors can heal and rebuild their lives.
She added, “This Women and Children’s Crisis Center embodies our collective commitment to protect women, restore hope, strengthen families, and ensure that no woman faces mental health challenges or crisis alone.”
Emphasizing the long-term impact of the initiative, Rep. Villarica stated, “Beyond providing immediate refuge, our goal is to offer a comprehensive sanctuary where survivors receive the full spectrum of care they need to heal and rebuild their lives.”
“Through this multi-sectoral endeavor, we are setting a new benchmark for public care and legislative action in defense of women and children,” she added.
Construction will proceed at The Haven for Women compound in Alabang, with targeted
completion in 2027.
Beyond serving Metro Manila, the project is envisioned as a national model for similar 
centers to be replicated across the regions, expanding access to specialized mental health and rehabilitation services nationwide.

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Muntinlupa Women\'s crisis center The Haven for Women AWLFI
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