In the busy city of Mandaluyong, there lies a humble Sanctuary Center established by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 1988.
Interestingly, the Sanctuary would host the West B CFC leaders’ Mission With the Poor Retreat (MWPR) there on February 22, 2025, the shelter provides a safe environment for a small community of improved psychosocially disabled women aged 18-59 years old who are currently undergoing rehabilitation.
As I walked into the Sanctuary, I saw that within the high, beige walls secured with brown heavy-bolted gates, lay a green, peaceful community of high and sturdy trees, abundant, well-kept plants, and women casually sweeping dried leaves across the yard.
Some were laughing and sharing stories, while others sat silently on the benches watching our new and unfamiliar faces appear in their safe grounds.
They all wore typical Filipino duster dresses, all in the same floral pattern, which made me silently wonder if they all sewed their own clothes.
“Kamahal-mahal pa rin”
A middle-aged woman excitedly walked up to me pointing to the MWPR’s venue. “Akyat kayo sa hagdan, tapos kaliwa!” (Take the stairs and take left!)
Another woman, who had curiously approached, asked for my name and complimented the fact that I shared Mama Mary’s name.
“Sila ay tao rin at sila ay ka-mahal mahal pa rin,” (They are still human, and they are still lovable) shared Ms. Virginia C. Daniles, RSW Social Welfare Officer and Head of the DSWD Sanctuary Center during an orientation she gave the MWPR participants.
The Sanctuary Center provides clothing, shelter and, food for abandoned and neglected women who used to roam the streets of Metro Manila.
Through the Sanctuary’s support, the women also learn skills and work through rehabilitative programs until they become self-reliant, reunite with their families, and get reintegrated back into society.
An invitation for a spiritual reflection, the “Mission with the Poor Retreat” is part of CFC leaders’ year-two pastoral formation.
Aside from learning more about Catholic social teachings on love for the poor, it also gives the couples an opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of our poor brethren.
That day, we would be encountering the women of the Sanctuary.
Listening to their hearts
I spoke with Ate Mitigo, 59, as if she was my grandmother whom I have been missing.
It took some time for her to open to me, and I noticed how she avoided eye contact while she rocked in her chair back and forth.
“Pinakain kami ng DSWD, tapos inaya kami pumunta rito,” (DSWD fed us and invited us to come with them), she shared.
A resident for almost 10 years, Ate Mitigo never stopped nervously fiddling with her hands since we started talking.
Another woman on my left had been smiling and listening attentively to my exchange with Ate Mitigo.
I asked her a few questions, but she would just stare at me and nod. “Nag E-english ‘yan!” (She speaks English!)
Ms. Virginia chirped in as she passed us by.
That was my major “oh!” moment, and I instantly saw her face brighten once I started asking her questions in English.
“I didn’t know you can speak English!”
Her name is Ate Mirma, 57.
And as soon as I asked her about her family, she started crying and opened about how her family barely visits her.
She admitted that she had no clue about how to get in touch with them or how to find them.
However, most of the residents find solace in the sanctuary and have been doing quite well.
The residents also shared how their usual day goes, and the recreational activities that keep them busy and productive.
Faith in action
“40% ng kinita po namin mapupunta sa snack allowance po,” (40% of our profits goes to our snack allowance.)
The residents were enthusiastic seeing the Couples for Christ Metro Manila West B attendees buy their handmade products—like woven handbags and purses, leather alcohol holders, card holders, beaded bracelets, and colorful rags and doormats—all heartfully crafted in the sanctuary.
A long table was laid outside the hall showcasing their products.
Left and right, titos and titas swarmed the booth and bought multiple handmade crafts, naming every friend and relative they thought about gifting the items to.
For this retreat, CFC West B leaders chose the Sanctuary as its host and beneficiary since its mission aligned with the heart and soul of the pastoral activity: to serve and provide emotional and spiritual nourishment to those in pain.
By talking with them, the women who are facing personal crises and struggles are given hope, healing, and much-needed encouragement.
Being in the Sanctuary—a place of renewal and transformation—made the retreat more significant, emphasizing the need to put our faith into action.
