Cottage Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The time has come to celebrate our success of the completion of the Cottage.  What began as a vision back in September 2012, is now realized in July 2014.  Hard work, collaboration and partnerships served as the foundation for this legacy and important work to be done in the future with women, children and families.  I am proud to have been part of such an amazing project and am looking forward to its potential! The Cottage Model Housing Program project is now complete!

Here is a refresher about the project's goals and objectives. 

The Cottage Model Housing Program seeks to reunite mothers who are survivors of gender-based crimes such as domestic violence and or sexual assault with their children within the recovery center.  This model seeks to promote family stabilization and empower families to remain a cohesive unit during times of difficulty/unfortunate circumstances.  In its absence, women who experience gender-based crimes enter temporary emergency shelters, which are better suited for single women, leaving behind their children while living in "community style" housing; performing required daily activities and relying on the houseparents.  Recovery at times is disrupted by constant worries of the quality of care of their families.  The Cottage Model Housing Program seeks to provide an independent living alternative to this current arrangement for the women and their families.  The Cottage (Bahay Kubo) will be a standalone building and have a layout comparable to a Filipino home.  This in turn is more conducive in the treatment process, and better prepares the family for re-integration into the community.  Women have the option to still participate in therapeutic activities, while awaiting court hearings, but ultimately maintaining their autonomy.  The Cottage Model Housing Program is in line with the community's view of combating violence against women and children, and supporting the importance of family togetherness.

My Grant proposal as described on World Connect's Website

January 2014, the start of construction for the Cottage.  This area is located to the side of the Main "Haven for Women & Girls" facility. 

February 2014, one month into the construction project.  The roof still needs to be added. 

July 2014! The construction was completed by Mid-March and the painting finished July 2014. 

A look into the inside of the cottage.  There are two rooms with a bathroom.  There is a small kitchen area with sala (not pictured). 

Here is the entrance into the Cottage and a view of the sink and cabinet for dishes. 

A view of the cottage from the back door. 

Bamboo furniture. 

A look into the "Green" room. 

The Comfort Room. 

The "Purple Room"

Outside of the Cottage. 

The front of the building. 

The Big Day!!!! July 21st, 2014

Ate Leonor giving the opening remarks and background history of the project. 

Arnel Garcia, Regional Director of DSWD, myself, and Joji Bonilla, Regional Manager for Bicol cutting the Ribbon to enter the Cottage. 

We did it! 

Joji is so happy!!!! 

The blessing of the Cottage. 

Joji and I relaxing before the ceremony begins! 

Our spread for the day: Fried Chicken, Puto, Turon (Banans wrapped in wanton wrappers and fried, and Pansit. 

Michelle(of batch 272; intake July 2013) and I discussing future use of the Cottage. 

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A size comparison of myself and the Cottage. :)