Speaking before a group of parents of the 68 residents of the DSWD Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), Assistant Regional Director Nestor Ramos of the DSWD Field Office Eight reminded them of their roles and responsibilities towards their children, even if they are now taking temporary refuge at the Center.

Ramos gave an inspirational message during this year’s Parent Education Congress held recently at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the RRCY in Barangay Sto Niño in Tanauan, Leyte. A former Head Social Worker himself for eight years, of the RRCY in Dipolog City, Ramos pointed out that “being in this institution is not a right but a privilege.”

“The government gave you a chance because you are minors, and because of the privilege of suspended sentence,” Ramos told the young people who are considered “children-in-conflict-with-law” or CICL.

Ramos further emphasized that the Center is not a jail, as children can even continue with their schooling, but said that “ one aspect which we cannot give is the love of a father and a mother.” The DSWD official added that such is vital for the rehabilitation of a child.

“There can never be a perfect rehabilitation center no matter what, if you will not support your child,” he continued. He added that even with a well – maintained center, under the leadership of Head Social Worker, Marcela Lim, and the cooperation of her staff, the efforts of the Center to rehabilitate the child would still be meaningless.

He, then, encouraged the parents to help their children to be able to go back to their respective communities and become good models of their peers, saying it is not yet too late. Ramos said that there is no such thing as a “bad boy!”