Maintaining cleanliness and orderliness is a vital aspect in running a rehabilitation facility such as Haven for Girls in Magalang, Pampanga. As part of putting utmost importance to the clients’ health and well-being, Ms. Marivic M. Quiambao, Support Service Unit Coordinator, conducts housekeeping sessions at least twice a month.
Both the staff and clients always work together to keep the Center clean and organized. The maintenance of a clean environment starts with clients’ rooms. They make their beds, sweep the floor, and empty their trash bins. Houseparents do their rounds at least four times a day to ensure their rooms are well-maintained. This practice inculcate good habits among the clients.
Clients are encouraged to apply the same habits in keeping premises of the Center clean, neat and functional. Haven ensures its clients are not in an unhygienic condition.
Aside from housekeeping sessions, ground maintenance and landscaping sessions are also provided by the center. These sessions include topics to increase the environmental awareness and raise the clients’ sense of responsibility in minimizing litter, proper disposing of residual waste and nurturing plants and trees. Such activity increases clients’ consciousness and compassion for the environment.
The main sessions are usually conducted with a series of follow-ups wherein participants are doing actual work to demonstrate what they have learned.
The center implements the 5-S approach: Segregate, Systemize, Sweep, Sanitize and Self-discipline or “Sinupin, Suriin, Simutin, Siguraduhin ang Kalinisan at Sariling Kusa.
To promote waste segregation, specific containers for bottles, plastic and cans are strategically placed. The center uses food wastes as fertilizers for our vegetable garden. They also created a compost heap for the dried leaves.
This systematized approach prevents garbage from piling up in the Center. Clients are also taught that recyclable materials can still be turned into something useful by creating crafts out of them.
The beautification was successfully developed through keeping ornamental plants; paved pathways are aesthetically built between landscapes; lawns are well-kept and shrubs are well-trimmed. The presence of grown trees also gives a relaxing experience for the staff and clients and uplift their spirits. The existence of playground inspires clients to engage in physical and fun activities.
Thus, the clients spend time outdoors for recreation, contemplation and social opportunities. This contributes in creating a suitable environment for the clients’ rehabilitation process.
Story by: Andrea F. Macaraeg | Photos by: Haven for Women
