MANILA - A transition home for child victims of sexual exploitation recently got a makeover from the graduating interior design class of the University of the Philippines.

Through project "Hilom: Rebuilding Spaces, Rebuilding Lives," the UP graduating class chose the End Child Prostitution and Trafficking (ECPAT) home in Quezon City as its beneficiary institution.

"It means 'to heal,'" Jazmine Jim, batch project head said.

Every year since 2001, Jim said, the UP Interior Design graduating batch takes up capstone course ID 179: Special Projects in Interior Design, where the class rehabilitates the interiors of a facility of a chosen government or non-government institution.

Quoting their class' secretary general Marion Francisco, Jim said the batch's concept focused on "salubong," which symbolizes the child's hopeful yearning for compassion and warmth, security and acceptance.

Their design, which transformed the ECPAT home into a bright, cozy sanctuary, hopes to give residents a "welcoming feeling of new hope by creating environments that radiate positive energy, eagerness and inspiration."

"We translated the concept of "salubong" in the healing space through the use of Philippine flora and fauna, combined with colors associated with hope, healing, and wellness (purple, cool blue, yellow)," explained Jim.

Renovated spaces include the reception and living area, clean kitchen and dining area, dirty kitchen and laundry area, stairs and hallway, ground floor toilet and bath and a newly added powder room, prayer room, counselling room, and two bedrooms with respective toilet and bath areas.

Planning for the project began in August 2018, construction followed in November, and soft turnover ceremonies were held in December 15.

But the renovation did not come without a price and the batch is grateful to their generous sponsors and those who joined their fundraising events.

The batch- composed of 39 students and guided by their adviser Lady Mayo- not only feel very fulfilled after the project.

"We not only transformed their living spaces, but also promoted awareness to the public," Jim said.