By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The Davao City government allocated P108 million for the construction of a dedicated Bahay Pag-asa facility for girls – a safe and specialized rehabilitation center for female Children in Conflict with the Law and Children at Risk.
Funding came from the city's Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. share and was approved through a resolution of Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, head of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations, upon the request of Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
Dayanghirang said in his official Facebook page that the project seeks to address a critical gap in the city's social protection system, noting that the existing Bahay Pag-asa facility operated by the City Social Welfare and Development Office currently caters only to male CICL and CAR.
"The existing infrastructure exclusively houses male Children in Conflict with the Law and Children at Risk, leaving a need for a separate environment that addresses the unique rehabilitation, welfare, and security requirements of female minors," Dayanghirang said.
According to the councilor, the proposed facility follows the passage of City Ordinance No. 0273-26, the Bahay Pag-asa for Girls Programs, by the 21st City Council, which provides for a separate facility for female CICL and CAR.
The ordinance, authored by Councilor Richlyn N. Justol-Baguilod and approved in June 2026, seeks to provide girls with a safe place to access rehabilitation services, counseling, education, healthcare, and other support programs while their cases are being processed.
According to city officials, the new building will provide a secure and supportive environment for female minors awaiting court disposition, while offering programs focused on rehabilitation, healing, and personal development.
The initiative is also in line with Section 49 of Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, which requires highly urbanized cities to establish, fund, and operate Bahay Pag-asa centers in accordance with national standards.
Duterte said the project reflects the city government's commitment to child welfare and social justice by ensuring that vulnerable young women receive appropriate care, protection, rehabilitation, and support in a safe and nurturing environment.
The Bahay Pag-asa for Girls facility is expected to strengthen Davao City's juvenile justice and welfare system and provide female minors with greater opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
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