TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC), as defined under Republic Act 7610, now have access to a dedicated center of refuge in Tabuk City with the recent inauguration of a new facility dubbed “A Sanctuary for Healing and Transformation.”
Situated inside a three-hectare lot at Barangay Lucog, the newly completed three-storey building spans 400 square meters and is equipped with various amenities designed to support the physical, emotional, and psychological recovery of abuse victims. The center serves as a haven for women and children who have experienced traumatic situations, offering services geared toward healing and reintegration.
The facility is operated and managed by the Tabuk Refuge of Hope, Inc. (TROHI), under the supervision of Executive Director Cheryl Flor Domingo. TROHI envisions the center as a safe space where survivors can rebuild their lives with dignity and care.
With a total project cost of ₱21 million, ₱5 million was sourced from the office of Kalinga Congressman Allen Jesse Mangaoang. The remainder was secured through a public-private partnership, showcasing a collaborative effort between government agencies and private stakeholders.
Representing the City Government of Tabuk, Through the City Mayor’s Office Enrique Balliang affirmed the unwavering support of Mayor Darwin Estrañero’s administration in sustaining the programs and future developments of the center.
“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding the rights of women and children. We will continue to support the foundation in improving their services and extending help to those in need,” Balliang said.
The establishment of the refuge center marks another milestone in the government’s public-private partnership programs, aimed at addressing social issues through collaborative and community-driven solutions. By Jesse Maguiya