OUR STORY
For nearly 30 years, the Western Samar Development Foundation, Inc. (WESADEF) has stood alongside communities in Western Samar—especially in Calbayog City and the municipalities of Sta. Margarita, Gandara, and San Jorge.
What began in 1987 as a small effort to help families earn a living has grown into something much deeper: a commitment to protecting the dignity, safety, and future of women and children.
Today, WESADEF works with local partners, leaders, and volunteers to build safer homes, stronger families, and more resilient communities.
HOW IT STARTED
In its early years, WESADEF focused on helping families meet their basic needs.
We supported livelihoods like:
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Rice farming
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Mat weaving
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Vegetable and livestock production
These programs helped families earn income and build stability—but over time, we saw that economic support alone wasn’t enough.
A TURNING POINT
As we listened closely to the communities we serve, one urgent issue became clear: family violence was holding people back from living safe, healthy lives.
We shifted our focus—placing the protection of women and children at the heart of our work.
Since then, WESADEF has:
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Supported 1,200+ women entrepreneurs
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Assisted 100+ families in crisis
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Provided care and services to 1,200+ children who experienced abuse
This shift marked a new chapter rooted in safety, healing, and long-term change.
PROTECTING CHILDREN AND STRENGTHENING FAMILIES
Our work centers on creating systems that protect children and support families through difficult situations.
One of our most impactful contributions is a standardized child protection protocol now adopted by several municipalities and cities.
This approach ensures:
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Only one child-friendly interview, reducing further trauma
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Collaboration between police, social workers, and medical professionals
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A safer, more compassionate experience for every child
Communities have already seen the difference, with local leaders reporting a decline in abuse cases where these systems are in place.
SAFE SPACES FOR HEALING
Child Protection Unit (CPU)
In Sta. Margarita, WESADEF helped establish a Child Protection Unit designed especially for young survivors.
This welcoming, child-friendly space brings together essential services in one place:
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Medical care
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Counseling
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Legal assistance
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Forensic services
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Family therapy
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Risk assessment
Instead of moving from office to office, children can receive care in a space built for comfort, trust, and healing.
Balay Consuelo
For children who cannot safely return home, Balay Consuelo offers a place to rest, recover, and begin again.
This residential shelter provides:
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Safe accommodation for up to 32 children
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A library, computer room, and play spaces
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Peaceful surroundings that support emotional healing
Children may stay for up to two years—especially when legal cases are ongoing or when their home environment remains unsafe.
BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES TOGETHER
WESADEF doesn’t work alone.
Through partnerships with government agencies, schools, media, and local groups, we’ve helped build networks like the Bantay Abuso Network (BAN)—bringing communities together to protect women and children.
We also engage young people directly through school-based programs that:
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Teach children about their rights
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Encourage speaking up and seeking help
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Build a culture of respect and protection
WHY THIS WORK MATTERS
When a child feels safe, they can heal.
When a woman is supported, families grow stronger.
And when communities work together, real change takes root.
Local leaders have seen firsthand how this work fills critical gaps—especially in areas where services are limited.