A CENTER for sexually abused girls and disadvantaged children will soon rise in Silay City, Negros Occidental. The organization behind this initiative, Cameleon Association, together with its partners—the local government unit of Silay and BDO Foundation, among others—recently led a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction of the structure, which will be called the Cameleon Center.
The local government of Silay City led by Mayor Mark Golez facilitated the donation of an 8,000-square-meter property to Cameleon Association. The Cameleon Center, which will be constructed on this property in Bonbon Village in Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, will serve as a home for abused girls—a place where they can also study, undergo therapy, receive counselling and rebuild their lives. BDO Foundation’s involvement in this project started in 2016 when it forged a partnership with Cameleon Association, an international nonprofit organization that operates a similar center in Passi City, Iloilo.
The groundbreaking ceremony was made special by the blessing officiated by Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod. The event was led by Golez, Cameleon Association Founder Laurence Ligier, BDO Foundation President Mario Deriquito, BDO Foundation Program Director Rose Espinosa, Zonta Club of Makati Ayala President Rita Dy and Zonta Club of Makati and Environs President Mita Rufino. They were joined by other local government officials and stakeholders.
“The Cameleon Center will be a source of hope for abused children who will be housed there. It will be a place for people who, at a young age, already experienced the cruelties of misguided grownups,” Deriquito said. “This center will also serve as an affirmation that the community cares for our children and is doing everything to help them bounce back and build productive lives.”
BDO Foundation’s support for the Cameleon Center is in line with the foundation’s advocacy to address the needs of marginalized members of society. The foundation fully supports Cameleon’s efforts to promote the dignity of children, the rehabilitation of abused girls and the protection of their human rights.
A non-governmental organization (NGO) that helps victims of abuse, Cameleon Association enables the protection, personal reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration of mistreated children, sexually abused girls and survivors of incest in the Philippines. It extends educational assistance, health care and professional integration for disadvantaged youths and their families. Founded in 1997, the NGO has offices in France, Switzerland and Luxembourg, as well as partnerships in Belgium, Andorra and the United States.