“There’s a place in your heart and I know that it is love. And this place could be much brighter than tomorrow. And if you really try, you’ll find, there’s no need to cry , In this place you’ll feel there’s no hurt or sorrow.”
These lines compose the opening of a song – “Heal The World,” by famous artist, Michael Jackson. In totality, it spells PEACE and spreading LOVE, such that if we could only understand and look deeper into the situation of Children-In-Conflict-with-Law (CICL), we could conclude that all they need is LOVE.
Last September 27, 2019 saw the blessing and inauguration of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) at Barangay Sto. Niño in Tanauan, Leyte. People who have been part of the making of this 38 – year-old transition home for CICL, whose sentence was suspended, came over to witness the event. Also, kindhearted souls like Tingog Sinirangan Party List representative Yedda Romualdez, who had been extending support to the Center eversince her two boys were young, came.
Her sons, have a certain fondness for the RRCY boys, such that they keep on going back to visit them at the Center, bringing along sports equipment and books bought out of their savings. The lady representative told that her sons, all grown up now and studying in the United States, have sent words of regret that they could’t come.
In same occasion, former Leyte Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and now consultant, Clotilde Malatbalat represented Governor Dominico Leopoldo Petilla. She read his speech which stated in part – “Give children-In-Conflict-with-the-Law a second chance, even third and fourth chances, in a way that reflects our unconditional love for our children. I believe that the second chances form the basis of the creation and continued success of the RRCY. But let’s not also forget that these children lost their way because their families and communities failed to provide them with the proper guidance, discipline and support as well as the unconditional love that children need and deserve, especially from their parents. They are here because at some point, one or many of us failed them.”
Meanwhile, former DSWD Regional Director Restituto Macuto of Region VIII was present and had these words to say,
“When I assumed office after Yolanda, it was one of the concerns of the Centers how they get back to its feet. Paano napagplanuhan ang pagpapagawa ng mga centers? The plan was made based on the vision to make our centers as Centers of Excellence. It was not an easy task. We have to ensure that DSWD is compliant with the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Law and other statutory requirements before we finalize and approve the plans.”
For Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Marcela Lim, who had been the Head Social Worker of the RRCY for almost 28 years, she narrated,
“Over the years, the center has served a number of minors coming from the different provinces of Region VIII. It has also undertaken different developmental projects and activities that contributed to the rehabilitation of minors/Children-In-Conflict-with-Law under its care and custody.
We were almost complete in complying documents to enable us to qualify for Level 2 standard but Yolanda was so cruel. RRCY was badly hit by super typhoon Yolanda. Our first concrete and more decent dormitory, which was completed and inaugurated July 31, 2009, was not spared.”
Regional Director of DSWD Field Office VIII, Marie Angela Gopalan, thanked all the staff who made the expansion and renovation of the Center’s facilities possible. That means more and bigger activity areas, an infirmary, separate room for Persons with Disabilities, a fitness center, additional 70 dormitory type rooms conducive for the speedy rehabilitation/recovery of the minors. Thanks to the Department’s Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCF) Infrastructure Project that earmarked Php2.3 B for the agency’s 71 centers nationwide.
The CRCF Project endeavors to provide better care and welfare services to members of vulnerable sectors thru repairs, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of centers and facilities.
Currently, there are 59 residents, disclosed Officer-In-Charge Georgina Bulasa. Activities like bible sharing every Friday, and holy mass every first Friday, counselling and other group activities for behavioral modification, homelife training services, sports, Alternative Learning System (ALS) sessions, cooking and baking classes, and orientation, as on Republic Act 3344, fill the year.
“There are ways to get there, if you care enough for the living. Make a little space, make a better place . . . so the song goes. #”