A SHELTER for trafficked and abused women is now in the works at the Hospicio de San Jose in Quiapo, Manila.

Mayor Alfredo S. Lim led the groundbreaking ceremony of  the new shelter dubbed “The Sanctuary,” which is being built within the compound of the HSJ through donations from private organizations and assistance from the city government of Manila.

Lim, in his brief message, assured the HSJ that all assistance possible will be extended to ensure the success of the planned sanctuary which will help women who are victims of oppression, violence or other unfortunate circumstances and who need counseling and all other forms of assistance to get their lives back.

Having stayed in the said orphanage for several years during his childhood, Lim extolled the sisters running it for giving the wards a “ray of hope that somewhere out there, there is still a chance to start a new life.”

“Loneliness is hard to bear but it is highly alleviated by the kindness of the sisters  here… In one’s moment of helplessness and hopelessness, they are like angels who descended from above to extend a helping hand to those who need it,” Lim said, as he turned emotional.

For her part, HSJ administrator Sr. Ma. Socorro Evidente lauded the private donors and the mayor for actively supporting the project, including his chief of staff and media bureau chief Ric de Guzman, saying their generosity is indeed worthy of emulation and that the show of support made them all the more inspired to serve.