Gentle Hands orphanage shut down for being a ‘fire trap’, says DSWD’s Gatchalian

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday stressed that the Gentle Hands orphanage in Quezon City was shut down for being a “fire trap.”

In the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender hearing, Gatchalian also cited the “imminent danger and the best interest of the children” for the closure.

The DSWD chief also debunked claims that the closure was abrupt and due process was not observed.

According to Gatchalian, three communications dated August 9, 2022, February 17, 2023, and March 14, 2023 informing management to make improvements to the facility were sent to Gentle Hands before its closure.