PSWDO Chief Oyawon leads Bahay Pag-asa family therapy, urges stronger parent-child bonds

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Rose Maritez Oyawon encouraged children under the care of Bahay Pag-asa and their parents to rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen their relationships during the Family Therapy and Group Treatment Activity conducted by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Kalinga on July 28 at the PSWD Conference Hall in Tabuk City.

The activity brought together children under the care of Bahay Pag-asa and their parents in a shared effort to promote understanding, foster open communication, and reinforce family ties.

Bahay Pag-asa is a 24-hour child-caring institution established under Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as amended. It provides temporary shelter and intervention services for children in conflict with the law and children at risk.

In her opening message, Oyawon emphasized that while families may encounter challenges, these should become opportunities to grow stronger together rather than drift apart.

"This family therapy is one way to strengthen your relationship as child and parent. Though your family is facing challenges, this will strengthen the bond of your family, not divide it," she said.

The PSWDO Chief thanked both the parents and the children for actively participating in the activity, saying their presence demonstrated a shared commitment to healing, mutual understanding, and positive change.

Oyawon described the family therapy session as an opportunity for parents and children to reconnect, listen to one another, and rebuild relationships founded on love, trust, and support.

Before concluding her message, she reminded the participants that a person's future should never be defined by past mistakes.

"Ti naminsan nga nagkamalian haan nga forever dayta."("A mistake made once does not define you forever.")

The Family Therapy and Group Treatment Activity forms part of the continuing initiatives of PSWDO Kalinga to strengthen family relationships, promote emotional healing, and support the rehabilitation and reintegration of children under the care of Bahay Pag-asa into their families and communities.