Davao city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11) allocated PHP68.3 million for protective services in 2025, aimed at supporting children in conflict with the law, victims of human trafficking, and senior citizens.
According to Philippines News Agency, the funds were distributed under the Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCF) program. The allocation includes PHP9.2 million for Angels Haven, PHP15.7 million for the Home for the Aged, PHP14.3 million for the Home for Girls and Women, PHP16.4 million for the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth, and PHP12.7 million for the Reception and Study Center for Children.
Gemma Dela Cruz, chief of DSWD-11's protective services division, stated in a press briefing that 478 clients from the CRCF benefited from these services, with 165 clients rehabilitated under the program. She also mentioned that supplementary feeding and community-based programs are part of the agency's initiatives.
The community-based program includes interventions for solo parents and efforts to rescue children from online sexual abuse or exploitation. Last year, DSWD-11's supplementary feeding program reached 96.73 percent of its target, serving 87,560 children in 2,752 child development centers and supervised neighborhood plays.
Larraine Villaver, a nutritionist dietitian with DSWD-11's supplementary feeding program, explained that the children's height and weight are measured to assess their nutritional status before they are fed at the centers.
