Home is not a structure but a feeling of being surrounded by supportive and loving people.

For many children who have been abused, neglected, and abandoned by their own families, a center like the Home for Girls (HFG) run by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Butuan City serves not just as a temporary shelter, but a home that welcomes and nurtures them.

Lorena, a 20-year-old visually impaired individual with a learning disability, is among the 25 residents of the Home for Girls under the DSWD Field Office-Caraga who found a home and support from a family-like community of people with good hearts.

With the interventions being provided by the center, alongside the support and love extended by the social workers and other HFG residents, Lorena was able to perform well in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa Special Games.

She won the silver medal for the 200-meter run in the national sports competition for students with special needs held in Marikina City from July 26 to August 9, gaining recognition not only for herself, but also for the center she considers home.

Lorena’s incredible story began in a modest Special Education Elementary School where her talent was discovered by a caring teacher. It was this discovery that paved the way for her to represent her school at the School Sports Meet-up, held at Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) Elementary School in Agusan del Norte in April 2023.

Lorena’s determination and unwavering spirit propelled her to a second-place finish, setting the stage for her journey to the national stage.

Joining hundreds of young athletes from different regions across the Philippines, Lorena embarked on her Palarong Pambansa adventure.

“Nalipay kaya naka apil ko sa Palarong Pambansa. Kadtong nag dula na nakulbaan ko pero pagkahuman nalipay gihapon ko,” Lorena said in her Visayan dialect.

(I am glad that I was able to join the Palarong Pambansa. I had mixed emotions – I was nervous and happy when I competed.)

The Palarong Pambansa Special Games was not just a sporting event for Lorena, it was also a life-changing experience for her.

“Dagha ko og nakita ug nakauban nga nagkalain lain nga nawong . nakasakay pod sa dako nga barko ug nakalaag didto human sa dula,” said the young athlete.

(I got to see places and meet a lot of people. I was so elated that I got to ride a big boat and had the chance to visit places after the games.)

The female runner’s incredible achievement resonated deeply with her community at the Home for Girls.

Lorena’s home in Butuan City is also celebrating her feat, while the whole HFG family also looks forward to more chances for the residential care facilities’ clients to grow and acquire opportunities to explore and discover their full potential.

“The HFG workforce strives to support and encourage our children to discover and develop their skills by engaging them in activities available in the center and at the same time linking them with the services from other agencies,” Center Head Marissa Garay explained.

The DSWD Field Office-Caraga, which operates HFG, is committed to ensuring that every child under its care has equitable access to opportunities. Lorena gaining a silver medal becomes a symbol of hope and opportunity for other young residents.

“Aside from the fact that this is part of our job, the feeling is always special when we become part of their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity like the Palarong Pambansa, another first for HFG,” Garay added.

Lorena’s journey of bringing a silver medal to Home for Girls from the national sporting stage is a testament to the power of determination, mentorship, and unwavering support of the centers and residential care facilities of the DSWD. #