As families across the country gathered to welcome the New Year revelries with laughter, shared meals, and hopeful resolutions, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) made sure to bring the spirit of the season to the vulnerable sectors staying in center and residential care facilities (CRCFs).

Though many residents were unable to celebrate with their own families, they were not alone. With the warmth and dedication of the DSWD’s Angels in Red Vests, the holiday season became a moment of togetherness, healing, and renewed hope, proving that new beginnings can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.

Across various DSWD field offices nationwide, year-end celebrations were organized to ensure that residents in CRCFs felt the love, care, and presence of a community that continues to stand by them as they step into another year of growth and recovery.

Celebrating hope with CICLs

At the DSWD’s Field Office (FO) 4B – MIMAROPA, residents of the MIMAROPA Youth Center, including children in conflict with the law (CICL), welcomed 2026 with a meaningful gathering that focused on sharing New Year’s resolutions.

The activity fostered reflection, friendly discussions on change and self-improvement.

Games and a shared meal added joy to the celebration, reinforcing the message that despite their struggles, brighter days lie ahead.

“Marami mang pagsubok ang pinagdaanan ngayong taon, patuloy pa rin kaming lalaban sa mga hamon ng buhay,” shared one resident during the celebration—an affirmation of resilience echoed throughout the center.

Similar celebrations were held at the Regional Rehabilitation Centers for the Youth (RRCYs) in DSW’s FO 1 – Ilocos Region, FO 2 – Cagayan Valley, FO 6 – Western Visayas, FO 7 – Central Visayas, and FO 11 – Davao Region.

The activities provided the CICLs a glimpse of what kind of life awaits them once they fully commit to their transformation.

Safe spaces for women and girls

Across various DSWD field offices, the New Year celebrations in residential care facilities for women, girls, and senior citizens highlighted healing, resilience, and renewed hope.

In the DSWD’s FO 6 – Western Visayas, residents of the Regional Center for Women and the Home for Girls marked the New Year with simple yet meaningful Media Noche celebrations, games, and gift-giving activities that fostered connection and a sense of belonging.

Most of them experienced such celebrations for the first time.

Similar gatherings were held at the Home for Women, and the Home for the Elderly in both DSWD FO 9 – Zamboanga Peninsula and in FO 4A – CALABARZON where residents shared wishes and moments of gratitude in a warm and joyful atmosphere.

In the DSWD’s FO 5 – Bicol Region, celebrations at the Haven for Women and Girls in Ligao City and the RRCY in Sorsogon City focused on reflection, renewal, and hopes for family reconnection and independent living.

Bringing smiles to children and persons with special care needs

In DSWD FO 10 – Northern Mindanao, the RSCC extended the holiday cheer through a series of fun-filled activities including a magic show, bubble show, talent presentations, games, and treats for the children.

These activities were designed to give young children joyful and positive experiences as they welcomed the new year.

Meanwhile, the DSWD FO 7 – Central Visayas, and DSWD FO 11 – Davao Region also marked the year’s end with joyful celebrations in their respective RRCYs and Reception and Study Centers for Children (RSCC), allowing residents to feel that the end of the year can be a start of a new life.

The RSCC continues to provide temporary care, protection, and rehabilitation for children aged 0 to 6 who were abandoned, neglected, or abused, while facilitating their placement into adoption, foster care, or family reintegration—ensuring that each child is given a chance for a safe and loving future.

Reflecting on the nationwide celebrations, Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, underscored the deeper meaning behind these activities.

“These celebrations served as a powerful reminder that healing is possible and that the future holds promise for those moving forward together,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said on Wednesday (January 7).

The DSWD spokesperson also emphasized the agency’s commitment to inclusivity during the holidays.

“Ang gusto po ni Secretary Rex Gatchalian, dapat hindi maiwan ang ating mga kababayang nananatili sa ating mga Residential Care Facilities sa pagdiriwang ng kapaskuhan at ng bagong taon. Kaya naman ang DSWD at ang ating mga Angels in Red Vests mula sa iba’t-ibang regional offices ay naglunsad ng munting salo-salo na magpapagaan sa pasanin ng ating mga benepisyaryo,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.

As the new year begins, the DSWD remains steadfast in its mission to nurture hope, restore dignity, and build pathways toward healing and reintegration.

Through these celebrations, residents of the CRCFs across the country were reminded that while their journeys may be challenging, they are never alone—and that new beginnings are always within reach. (KB)