January 05, 2026 – The residents of the four residential care facilities managed by the DSWD in the CALABARZON Region welcomed the New Year with renewed hope as they celebrated the occasion with their ‘new families.’

From December 31, 2025 to January 1, 2026, the staff of the four centers prepared various activities for the residents to ensure that they feel cared for, loved, and celebrated despite being away from their families.

Some of the activities included gift-giving, games, and showcase of talents.

According to Lola Lorna Sebastian, despite being a new resident at the Haven for the Elderly in Tanay, Rizal, she feels well-treated and accepted here and found a new family to move forward.

“Wala man kami sa sarili naming mga tahanan, nangungulila man kami sa aming mga mahal sa buhay, lagi ninyong ipinapaalala sa amin na hindi kami nag-iisa sa pagdiriwang ng bagong taon. Hindi n’yo man kami kadugo, puno naman kayo ng hatid na pagmamahal sa amin,” shared one of the residents [name undisclosed] of the Regional Haven for Women and Girls in Rosario, Batangas.

Meanwhile, Rhodora Sajor, the center head of the Bahay Tuluyan ng mga Bata – Home for Girls in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, shared that all the residents were grateful for being provided with an opportunity to celebrate the new year with the staff and co-residents.

Other than the Haven for the Elderly, the Bahay Tuluyan ng mga Bata, and then the Regional Haven for Women and Children, the DSWD Field Office IV-A also manages the National Training School for Boys in Tanay, Rizal.

These residential care facilities provide care and protection to individuals belonging to vulnerable sectors. [with reports from HAMayuga/RBSajor/EBLAnog]