Every Friday, residents of Baguio City Bahay Pag-asa (BPA) gather for ‘Pinnangan’, an ilocano term for ‘salu-salo’ or shared meal. On this day, the children choose the meals they want, and everyone, children in conflict with the law (CICL), staff, and partners, sit down to eat together.

What seems like a normal day reflects inclusivity, a shared space and stories, a place where these children feel at home. In many ways, this simple tradition shows what BPA is all about, raising a child takes a village.

The village inside the BPA consists of houseparent, social workers, teachers, volunteers, and community partners who all play an important role in guiding CICL toward change. The support they provide gives the skill that CICL needs to move forward in life.

The Village

The village starts with caring for the overall health of CICL. Baguio City BPA center head, Florecita Tul-an, shared, “Through our programs and interventions, doon namin natutulungan ang aming mga children in conflict with the law. We ensure that these children are secured and that their health, nutrition, and medical needs are provided.”

(Through our programs and interventions, we can help our children in conflict with the law. We ensure that these children are secured and that their health, nutrition, and medical needs are provided.)

Education and skills training are at the center of Baguio City BPA’s support system. CICL are enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and learn life skills like decision-making, self-awareness, and conflict resolution. They also gain practical experience through livelihood programs, such as baking pandesal and cookies, diamond painting, and other practical activities that prepare them for life outside the center.

“Atleast pagkauwi ng mga bata mayroon na silang pera na pede nilang gamitin as livelihood when they are back with their families and even start their education like buying school supplies,” Tul-an said.

(At least when they go home, they already have some money they can use for livelihood with their families, or even to support their education, such as buying school supplies.)

Volunteers from schools, faith-based groups, and music mentors also contribute by sharing their time and skills, helping the children explore new interests.

“Because of the volunteers we have from the community, mas natutulungan pa ang mga bata natin sa kanilang rehabilitation,” she added.

(Because of volunteers we have from the community, our children receive even more support in their rehabilitation.)

The center also follows a “train-the-trainer” approach, where houseparent and former residents pass on their knowledge to new residents, ensuring that learning and growth are shared in the center.

The local government of Baguio City plays the biggest role in this village, providing staff, resources, and coordination, facilities are improved, and children receive consistent care at the BPA and at home.

According to Liza Bulayungan, Baguio City’s City Social Welfare and Development Officer, BPA represents commitment. What began as a Social Development Center funded by Australian Aid was later converted into a BPA under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) or Republic Act 9344, as amended.

“Ang pag-open up ng BPA is talagang malaking tulong sa mga bata, kasi before wala ang facility na yan, naghahanap pa kami ng facility outside Baguio kung saan dadalhin yung bata.”

(The opening of a BPA has been a huge help for the children, because before this facility existed, we had to look for places outside Baguio to bring them.)

A Lasting Impact

For Carlo, a former resident, lessons while staying at Baguio City BPA left a lasting impact on him. “Isa po sa pinakanagustuhan ko na training dito ay yung baking. Natutunan ko rin po ang magdasal, gumawa ng gawaing bahay, at rumespeto lalo na sa nakatatanda,” Carlo shared.

(One of my favorite trainings here was baking. I also learned to pray, do household chores, and show respect, especially to the elderly.)

While Carlo is continuing his studies under ALS, he carries long term goals, to finish his education, become a seafarer, and build a better life for his family.

Baguio City BPA shows that a BPA is defined not just by its programs or facilities, but in its community of staff, volunteers, and local government working together.

Today, it continues to provide CICL with a chance to start again. Its efforts were recognized nationally when it was named the National Winner of the Search for Good Practice of Bahay Pag-Asa Implementation by the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) in November 2025.