Manila: The Haven Regional Center for Children (THRC), a residential care facility operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 1 (Ilocos Region), in collaboration with SM City Urdaneta Central, has initiated a program to bring joy to children in challenging circumstances during this yuletide season. THRC administrative officer and psychometrician Angela Ruth Felicitas highlighted that the center primarily houses boys aged 7 to 14 who have faced difficult situations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Felicitas elaborated that the children under their care require special protection due to various risks, including abuse and abandonment, with some found on the streets or being victims in their own homes. The facility is dedicated to providing biopsychosocial rehabilitation aimed at helping these children recover and develop essential life skills. Felicitas emphasized that activities like the Christmas launch at the mall offer the children new experiences and a sense of belonging, which is crucial for their rehabilitation.

“Coming from their unfortunate backgrounds, they have different backgrounds. We provide them with an opportunity to experience different activities just like this (referring to the Christmas launching at SM City Urdaneta Central). Also, we provide them with the basic needs to jumpstart their rehabilitation,” she explained.

Additionally, the children at the center are beneficiaries of the mall’s ‘SM Besties of Joy’ program, which involves customers purchasing a pair of stuffed toys-one for themselves and one to donate to a child in need. Mall manager Abraham Malicdem noted that approximately 400 to 500 stuffed toys have been designated for recipients in Pangasinan, including children at THRC, the Inaron Agi shelter in Calasiao, and children with disabilities in San Carlos City. Currently, 25 children are undergoing rehabilitation at the center.