‘𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐘 𝐍𝐈 𝐍𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐍𝐆’ 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄
The Cebu Provincial Government will integrate mental health and trauma recovery services into a planned shelter for women and children who have survived abuse, officials said during a recent meeting.
The shelter, named Balay ni Neneng, is the latest initiative of the Capitol to strengthen protection and rehabilitation programs for vulnerable groups.
The project was discussed during the second-quarter meeting of the Provincial Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children, which was chaired by Gov. Pamela Baricuatro at the Capitol on May 26.
Provincial Health Office Chief Dr. Shiela Faciol presented a medical and mental health framework for the facility that will include psychological first aid, trauma processing and access to medication for mental health conditions.
For young children, Dr. Faciol said, the province plans to introduce a specialized care such as play therapy and art therapy to help address trauma and support emotional recovery.
According to Dr. Faciol, the province had already secured supplies of medicines for conditions linked to mental illness, anxiety and depression, though partnerships with outside psychologists have not yet been finalized.
Marirose Lopez, the officer-in-charge of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said the Women and Children in Crisis Intervention Center has begun overseeing the installation of “smart houses”, which will be part of the Balay ni Neneng compound.
Each unit is expected to accommodate eight to 10 survivors and will include air-conditioned living spaces, dining areas, kitchens and administrative offices designed to provide a secure and structured environment for recovery.
Officials also announced plans to establish help desks and expand referral systems at major transportation terminals across Cebu, part of wider anti-trafficking efforts and an attempt to improve immediate assistance for victims.
The official launch date for Balay ni Neneng has yet to be announced. IRiza Mae L. Pasilan/CNU intern
Check this also: Capitol Briefs Bogo City and Santa Fe Barangay Officials on Financial Assistance Guidelines
