DSWD to construct 5 regional centers for kids in conflict with law

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will facilitate the construction of five regional Bahay Pag-Asa (BPA) facilities for children in conflict with the law (CICLs) this year.

In a Malacañang press briefing on Monday, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said P275 million was allocated in the DSWD’s budget under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the construction of additional BPAs.

There are 118 operational BPAs nationwide based on data from the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), an attached agency of the DSWD.

Gatchalian said the construction of the five regional BPAs will be a multi-year commitment and will help fulfill the 50-year commitment stipulated under Presidential Decree 603 or the 1974 Child and Youth Welfare Code to establish facilities or centers for the rehabilitation of CICLs.

“Kasi alam natin na how many years after the law, almost 50 years after the law, kulang pa rin ang mga Bahay Pag-Asa nationwide. So for us to fulfill the restorative justice provision ng batas, kailangan na the national government will take the lead in building these Bahay Pag-Asa,” he said.

(We know that how many years after the law, almost 50 years after the law, we still don’t have enough Bahay Pag-Asa nationwide. So for us to fulfill the restorative justice provision of the law, the national government will take the lead in building these Bahay Pag-Asa.)

The construction of BPAs is also mandated under Section 51 of the Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA).

The BPAs are currently operated by local government units (LGUs) and accredited non-government organizations (NGOs).

The facilities provide immediate care, assessment, and necessary interventions for CICLs, particularly those requiring temporary shelter pending court disposition.

“We’ve seen na hirap na hirap ‘yung ating mga LGUs because of limited fiscal capacity sa side nila. So ngayon, papasok na ang national government by piloting five regional Bahay Pag-Asa,” Gatchalian said.

(We’ve seen that our LGUs are having difficulties because of limited fiscal capacity on their side. So now, the national government will step in by piloting five regional Bahay Pag-Asa.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News