Tacloban City—Sofia Romualdez may come from a high-profile family, but just like her mom and dad who have a big heart for public service and helping the needy, the teenager also loves sharing her time and blessings with the girls at the Tacloban City Women Shelter.
Sofia’s parents, former Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and current Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez, established the shelter in 2010 to provide a home and relevant services for women and children in the city who are victims of abuse, maltreatment and violence.
Wearing a simple shirt, jeans, and cap, Sofia together with her friends, spent their whole day at the shelter. They brought packed meals and Sofia entertained them with their requested songs. Sofia also shared stories with the girls and inspired her with her favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 41:10, which says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Sofia would have come with her mom, who the girls at the shelter consider their mother. But the Mayor has scheduled her visit before the Yolanda anniversary in November.
“Last Sangyaw Festival po, gusto po namin mapanood si Ate Sofia sa concert niya sa plaza, pinag-pray po namin na pasyalan po niya kami tapos ngayon nandito na po siya sa amin. Malaking bagay po sa amin na nakita namin siya for the first time,” said 19-year-old Jessa, who has physical disability and autism, and was raped when she was 9. She got pregnant at the age of 13; her baby died at birth. She could have died, too, if not for the Women Shelter that took her in and cared for her.
The 19-year-old Viva Records recording artist stunned 3,000 people with her original songs and dashing dancing moves at the annual Sangyaw Festival. Sofia promised she will invite the girls on her next event in Tacloban.
“They will all be my VIP guests,” said Sofia, who will provide the shelter residents with dental assistance, medical supplies and toiletries when she returns.
In its eight years of being a second home for abused women and children, the shelter has seen 1,012 admissions and 1,374 walk-ins. The women and children in the facility are given extra care and protection by the employees of the City Social Welfare and Development Office.
Mayor Romualdez makes sure that the city government is taking steps in addressing the plight of abused women and children which is a prevalent problem not only in the Philippines but also in other parts of the world.