TO expand access to proper care and rehabilitation for children in conflict with the law (CICL), the 2026 national budget has allotted funding for the construction of five new regional Bahay Pag-Asa facilities, Senate President Win Gatchalian said.
The amount of P275 million was allocated under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the first phase of the multi-year construction program.
Bahay Pag-Asa facilities provide residential care, intervention and rehabilitation services for CICL.
Each of these Bahay Pag-Asa facilities will have the capacity of 50 beds or a total of 250 additional beds nationwide.
Gatchalian recalled that when he was the mayor of Valenzuela City, he saw the crucial role that Bahay Pag-Asa facilities play in rehabilitating CICL and reintegrating them to society.
“When Bahay Pag-Asa is properly run, there is a greater chance of giving a second chance to the youth who have lost their way,” Gatchalian said.
“We will continue to support the construction of more Bahay Pag-Asa facilities because if they are properly run, there is a greater chance that these children will return and live a good life in our society again,” he added.
