For three decades, Herminia Arcangel has been at the forefront of child protection and rehabilitation, dedicating her career to helping vulnerable sectors, especially children in conflict with the law (CICL) and children at risk (CAR).
As a social worker of the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR), her experience includes leading community-based intervention, heading programs for rescued street children, and serving as a supervisor and later center head of Marillac Hills, a residential facility for highly traumatized girls.
Today, Arcangel serves as the center head of a residential facility for older persons, extending her lifelong mission of compassion to another vulnerable sector.
In her years at Marillac Hills, Arcangel explained that many of the children under their care are survivors of severe abuse and exploitation, with some CICL once victims themselves. Her role focused on ensuring effective case management and helping them regain normal social functioning.
Despite the trauma these children must carry, Arcangel witnessed their transformation when they were given care and opportunity.
“Children are so thirsty to learn. Napaka-receptive ng mga bata sa Marillac, kahit anong ituro mo doon, ang bilis nila makuha,” Arcangel shares.
(Children are so eager to learn. At Marillac, they are incredibly receptive. Whatever you teach them, they learn quickly.)
A STORY OF HOPE
Arcangel shares the story of a CICL who was brought to Marillac after being caught carrying marijuana, a consequence of poverty, and desire to support her mother financially. At Marillac, she discovered her talents in nail art and hairstyling. She was also able to return to school, complete senior high, earn an NC II certification, and finish livelihood training. Today, she works as a government employee at a DSWD-managed facility.
She recalled many children arriving uncertain, only to discover their talents through support and encouragement. “Maraming bata doon, nung dumating tulala, ‘di marunong magsulat, ‘di niya alam may talent siya. Pero wala pang isang taon, sumasali na siya sa lahat. Doon nila nadidiscover yung mga inner talents nila. Kapag binigyan mo ang bata ng opportunity, lumalabas ng kusa yung skills and talents nila.”
(Many children arriving there dazed, unable to write, and unaware of their own talents. But in less than a year, they participated in everything. It was there that they discovered their abilities. When you give a child the opportunity, their skills and talents naturally come out.)
Arcangel also emphasized the resilience of these children, challenging the stigma that they cannot change.
“Ako din dati siguro kung hindi ako nag-manage ng CICL, di rin ako maniniwala. In my experience, dito ko nakita ang resilience ng mga CICL. Alam mo yung sila yung makikitaan mo ng tunay na pagbabago once na they aim for it. They turn out na very disciplined, resilient, marunong sa buhay. They end up being responsible citizens,” she added.
(I probably wouldn’t have believed it myself before, if I hadn’t managed CICL. From my experience, this is where I’ve seen the resilience of CICL. You can really see change in them once they set their minds to it. They become disciplined, resilient, and capable young adults, growing into responsible citizens.)
As the country observes Women’s Month this March, JJWC honors the dedication of its partners and duty-bearers. Arcangel’s story highlights the strength of women working in social welfare, those who stand beside the vulnerable and believe in second chances. Through decades of service, she has shown that compassion and opportunity can change lives and give hope to every child who has lost their way.