(EASTERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone has ordered an assessment and renovation of ‘Balay Darangpan’, a province-run temporary shelter for neglected and abused women and children in Eastern Samar, to ensure safer and more humane living conditions for its residents.
Balay Darangpan, established in 2001, operates under the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and serves as a temporary refuge for vulnerable women and children from various towns across the province.
The facility provides protection, basic needs, and psychosocial support to residents who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other forms of hardship.
During his inspection, Evardone was joined by representatives from the PSWDO and the Provincial Engineering Office, including department head Engr. Sixto Limbauan.
The team evaluated the structural condition of the building and identified areas requiring repair and upgrading to enhance safety, comfort, and overall functionality.
Currently, the center houses nine children under the supervision of four house parents who work on a rotating schedule to ensure round-the-clock care and guidance.
The governor emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure and child-friendly environment, noting that many of the residents have endured traumatic experiences at a young age. He said the provincial government must ensure that the shelter provides not only protection but also a nurturing space that supports healing and recovery.
Provincial officials said the planned renovations will focus on improving living quarters, strengthening structural integrity, and upgrading essential facilities. The initiative aims to enable Balay Darangpan to continue functioning not just as a temporary shelter, but as a safe haven where residents can rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
