The Doctor in Social Development (DSD) Program of the UP College of Social Work and Community Development (UP-CSWCD) in collaboration with the Research Department of the Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Torture Survivors (RCT), Denmark and the Balay Rehabilitation Center (Balay) are proud to announce the availability of four (4) Thesis grants starting the 2nd semester, 2011.

Quezon City – In commemoration of the 26th year anniversary of the declaration of martial law, Balay Rehabilitation Center, together with various civil society organizations, activists and individuals, paid tribute to women torture survivors who contributed in the struggle to establish democracy in the Philippines.

In the activity entitled, "Celebrating Life and Journey to Healing of Heroines of the Martial Law Era", Balay, showcased four testimonies of women who have been tortured during the martial law era. Their stories provided the participants with an idea of f the struggles and suffering they have experienced during the Marcos dictatorship. Their narratives also highlighted their inspiring abilities to manage, cope and build a beautiful and bright future that is full of love and hope despite the ordeal they went through. Each testimony was greeted with a ritual of affirmation and solidarity by those who participated in the event.

Young people sang songs, recited poetry, and staged a play extolling the courage of the women who stood against oppression. Family members and friends of the women who shared their stories gave heartfelt messages of appreciation and admiration. The women who participated in the testimonial therapy were: Hilda Narcisso, Minda Upalda, Mel Laurenaria and May Rodriguez.

Balay community members gathered at the Balay office last September 30 to celebrate the organization's 26th founding anniversary. The activity, which started at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, was opened with a solemn community prayer of thanksgiving followed by a sharing of each person's experience in working with Balay.

With the theme of "Owning our reason for being and new-found spirituality; our journey continues!" the participants exchanged stories, life's lessons and insights about the rich and colorful moments they had as part of the organization. The sharing revolved around what they think was the meaning or reason behind their decision to join Balay in its journey to promote human rights and contribute to societal change. The results of the sharing can only be described as rich, emotional and full of wisdom. Both the newcomers and veteran members of Balay learned a lot about each other. At the end of the process, the group affirmed their commitment to continue the legacy of and to contribute to the attainment of a free and humane society as envisioned by the founding pillars of Balay 26 years ago.

Quezon City – Balay Rehabilitation Center conducted a three day training on the topic of psychosocial processing for the therapeutic community (TC) practitioners of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) held at the Imperial Palace Suites, Quezon City last August 3 to 5, 2011.

Thirty two participants from various jails all over Luzon, including Inmate's Welfare and Development (IWD) Officers, Jail Wardens, and BJMP Psychologists, lead by J/SSUPT Amelia "Amy" Talento, Regional Director for Region 4-B, attended the training. J/SSUPT Nida Gacutan Ramos, DIWD National Director, gave the inspirational message for her subordinates and called to everyone to "keep the fire burning".