In a significant step towards supporting vulnerable youth, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Region 13 (Caraga) has completed a new two-story shelter in Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City. Named ‘Bahay Pag-asa,’ the facility was inaugurated on November 28, 2024, and is designed to serve as a temporary home for Children at Risk (CAR) and Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). The shelter, which spans 12 meters by 31 meters, was constructed at a total cost of PHP14.8 million, with the project beginning in 2022 and concluding this year. The first phase of construction cost over PHP9.8 million, while the second phase, funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, amounted to PHP4.9 million. The facility is equipped with essential amenities including a dirty kitchen, laundry area, shower room, double-deck beds, cabinets, and study tables, ensuring a comfortable and functional living environment. DPWH-13 emphasized that ‘Bahay Pag-asa’ will not only provide a safe haven but also offer educational, recreational, and therapeutic resources to aid in the children’s development and well-being. The management of the shelter will be overseen by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
