Creating Safe Environments:
The DC Safeguarding Ministry’s Commitment to Protecting the Young
On January 25, 2026, over 150 children, teens, and young adults—members of the KaSimBa Choir, Mary’s Angels/Children’s Choir, and beneficiaries of the Rosalie Rendu Development Center (RRDC)—gathered at Ayanz Hall in the Daughters of Charity Provincial House, Manila, for a safeguarding formation session. Carrying the theme “Safe in God’s Family: Caring for Ourselves and One Another / Ligtas sa Pamilya ng Diyos: Pagmamahal at Pagkalinga sa Sarili at sa Kapwa,” the initiative reflected the Vincentian commitment to protect the vulnerable and to nurture hearts formed in compassion and discernment.
The session was organized by the Safeguarding Ministry, led by Sr. Maria Socorro Pilar Evidente, together with her staff and Madeline Grace Baylon, a DC Aspirant. Sisters Herminia Sutarez and Rowena Encinas served as the main facilitators. Rooted in the pastoral spirit of St. Vincent and St. Louise, the formation invited participants to embrace their inherent dignity as beloved children of God. The session explored vital themes: the body as God’s sacred and good gift, the value of healthy friendships, the importance of personal boundaries, safe and unsafe touch, recognizing “ouch moments,” responding with assertiveness, and finding the courage to seek help when needed. It also addressed situations of violence across age and gender, offering practical steps to prevent harm. This formation concretely expresses the commitment of the DC Company (Province of St. Louise de Marillac–Asia) through its Safeguarding Ministry, in solidarity with the wider Church’s mission, to foster safe and nurturing environments for all.
The activity culminated in eleven small groups drafting three to five concrete commitments to safeguard themselves and others. Each participant traced their hand beside their pledge—a simple yet powerful gesture of solidarity, responsibility, and hope.