Cebu rolls out trauma recovery hubs with smart houses for abuse survivors

Cebu’s provincial government has launched new medical and mental health support frameworks for survivors of abuse and trauma. The initiative, led by Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Provincia Health Chief Dr. Shiela Faciol, aims to provide specialised care within dedicated facilities. New 'smart houses' are also under construction to offer safe, well-equipped spaces for recovery. The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office has begun building 'smart houses' at the Women and Children in Crisis Intervention Center in Balay ni Neneng. Each unit features air conditioning, a kitchen, and space for 8 to 10 survivors, along with administrative offices.

The new health frameworks include psychological first aid, trauma processing, and improved access to mental health treatments. For children, services like play therapy and art therapy will help emotional recovery. The government has also stocked medications for mental illness, anxiety, and depression, to be distributed by psychologists. To reach more victims, help desks and referral systems are being set up at major transport terminals across Cebu. These measures aim to connect survivors with the support they need more quickly.

The initiative combines housing, medical care, and mental health support under one system. Survivors will have access to therapy, medication, and safe accommodation. The government’s referral network will further expand assistance across the province.