Legarda to Upgrade Women and Children’s Center in Antique

Senator Inday Loren Legarda said that she will provide additional funding for the expansion of the Pagsapupo (Care) Center for the victims of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) in her home province of Antique.

Legarda funded the construction of the current VAWC Center in Barangay Uno, San Jose, Antique in 2010. For eight years now, the Pagsapupo Center has continuously served as a home for victims of domestic violence and rape, abandoned children, children of drug addicts, and other abused women and children.

“The care of women and children, especially the abused, suffering and vulnerable, has been among my advocacies. We want to provide a home for the abandoned and give love to the abused and maltreated. Our Pagsapupo Center in San Jose is a refuge for them,” said Legarda.

“Through the facility, we are able to provide the needs of vulnerable women and children, help them heal from the pain they experienced, and allow them to slowly reconnect with society and become productive citizens,” she added.

The Pagsapupo Center provides a peaceful environment and offers different activities, which include sports, arts and entertainment, for women and children. The victims housed there are given a chance to channel their energy and attention to the recreational activities offered in the facility to better cope up and recover from their trauma. Currently, it houses 10 children and women under the care of Judy Malunda (OIC Center Head), Louwelie Mirla (psychologist), and three more house parents.

Legarda said she will provide additional funding for the conversion of the center from a one-story to a two-story facility. The proposed expansion would help in accommodating more women and children in need and in providing them additional recreational activities and equipment.

The Antiqueña Senator also emphasized the importance of implementing the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, as well as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and its expanded version, which are laws she authored, to prevent cases of abuse and neglect.

“By implementing these laws and providing the needs of vulnerable women and children, we can shape every member of society to be responsible and productive citizens, thus, contributing to the progress of the province,” Legarda concluded.