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The DSWD opens the doors of the newly built Regional Haven for Women in Alae, Manolo Fortich Bukidnon. The Haven, a 1,750 square meter building, is constructed with the aim to help women living in Bukidnon and neighboring provinces, and whose rights are violated. In the Haven, women will be given government assistance and interventions such as counseling, livelihood, technical education, and other psychosocial interventions.

“Ang Regional Haven for Women ay isang simbolong nagpapaalala sa atin na dapat ipaglaban ang karapatan ng kababaihan kapag ito ay natatapakan, (the Regional Haven for Women is a symbol that reminds us that we need to protect the rights of our women when they are violated.” This is Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista’s message, delivered by Undersecretary Luzviminda Ilagan during the Inauguration of DSWD-10’s Regional Haven for Women today, August 28, in Barangay Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

“Sa mga amenities na ito, inaasahan po nating mapabuti ang ating serbisyo at maipadama sa ating mga kliyente ang pagkalinga at higit sa lahat, pagmamahal ng DSWD, (through these amenities, we hope that we will able to improve our services and let our clients experience the care and love of the DSWD).” – Mari-Flor Dollaga Libang in her reference to the new Regional Haven for Women in Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, inaugurated today, August 28, 2019.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development officially opened the doors of the Regional Haven for Women in Bukidnon, a 23-million Peso project that provides temporary shelter and refuge to women who are undergoing difficult circumstances such as abuse and trafficking.

The Haven was built with the aim to provide access to social services to women whose rights were violated and are living in Bukidnon and other neighboring provinces, and to support them through government interventions and assistance, such as counseling, medical assistance, livelihood, technical education, and psycho-social interventions.

“Para mas marami pa tayong mga kakababaihang matutulongan (so that we can help more women),” Mari-Flor A. Dollaga-Libang, Regional Director of DSWD-10, says during her welcome speech among witnesses to the inauguration of the building. She added that many women will now be able to seek refuge in the Haven in times of difficulties and when their rights are violated.

DSWD Undersecretary Luzviminda Ilagan (third from left) shows pride and joy as she ceremoniously unveiled the building marker installed in the newly inaugurated Regional Haven for Women in Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon today, August 28, 2019. With her are Undersecretary Camilo Gudmalin , DSWD Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga Libang, former director of DSWD-10, Director Nestor Ramos, and Bukidnon Vice Governor Rogelio Quino.


“The completion of the construction of the Regional Haven for Women is a manifestation of converged efforts,” she continues as she relays that the Regional Haven for Women was realized through planning and implementation by a number of individuals and leaders, both from the local and national government, who took part in the completion of the construction of the 1,750 square meter building.


The facility has four women’s quarters, a conference room, a prayer room, a counseling area, a training room, a clinic, and a library, among others.

The construction of the building started in December 2018 and was completed in August 2019, with the budget coming from the DSWD’s Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCF) project fund. Support were also given by other national and local government offices “that shared the same vision the DSWD has.”

DSWD Undersecretaries Luzviminda Ilagan and Camilo Gudmalin ceremoniously cut the ribbon during the inauguration of the Regional Haven for Women in Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, officially opening the facility to women who need DSWD assistance and interventions.


Gracing the inauguration were DSWD Undersecretary Camilo Gudmalin, Undersecretary Luzviminda Ilagan, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, and the local government unit of Manolo Fortich.

Representatives from other DSWD field offices and partner agencies were also among the witnesses in the said event.

A virtual inauguration of 124 DSWD centers and residential care facilities completed across the nation was also held in Cagayan de Oro City in the afternoon of the same day, which was also graced by top executives of the Department.