A famous song from a known Filipino band, South Border simply reminds its listeners that no matter how difficult life is, there is always hope and a sense of relief after every ordeal. For a former Child In Conflict with the Law (CICL), the lyrics “There’s a rainbow always after the rain,” definitely means a lot to them, especially for those who hope to correct their life’s mistakes, especially when they were still younger.
Christian Opinaldo who is known by his nickname “Kim” was accused of murder on November 18, 2013. Considering his minority at that time, he was ordered to undergo rehabilitation at the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) following the order issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 27 in Tandag City on February 19, 2014.
Kim stayed at the center for five (5) years and two (2) months. Compared to the average clients at the Center, Kim stayed at the center longer since had to fight for his case, and the case took longer than expected.
Kim’s journey in the center was never easy. According to him, it would have been better if the accusation against him was true – that way, it would have been easier for him to endure the hardships and the challenges at the center. However, he stood firm that he was innocent of the accusation against him. He was very devastated to the point that he had difficulty in sleeping during his first weeks at the center. It took him a few months to get adjusted to the environment.
Through the intensive individual counseling and group sessions conducted by the Center staff with the clients, Kim learned to accept his situation and became optimistic about it. He has gained strength from the people who believed in him. He has regained his normal social functioning. Despite of the negative impression about being in a rehabilitation center, Kim still a developed positive outlook in life – he always looked forward to being discharged, and his case dropped. His self-awareness has developed and he learned to identify his purpose in life.
Fortunately, after a few months of staying in the center, he learned to adjust and started making new friends with other residents. He diverted his attention through attending different activities in the center. He was always recognized as an Outstanding Resident every semester.
Moreover, through the special activities in the center, Kim’s self-esteem and confidence improved. He has learned new skill like playing guitar, cooking, and gardening. He was one of the members of RRCY band which represented the Cented during the “Battle of the Band” held in Manila during the Juvenile Justice Week Celebration last October 17-20, 2015.
With his good behavior, Kim was chosen as one of the residents to enrol at the Agusan Del Sur School of Arts and Trades (ASSAT) at Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. He is part of the Automotive Servicing NC I, Automotive Servicing NC II class where he was granted with a scholarship called Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), Carpentry NC II, Electronics NC II, and COR on Diesel Engine Tune Up. In addition, while in RRCY, he finished a 3-Year Automotive course at the same school and was a Service Awardee being the Class President.
Kim was grateful for the opportunity given to him while in RRCY. Despite his long agony of being away from his family, he learned to look on the positive side of undergoing rehabilitation in the center. He realized that his dream did not falter with his stay at the center. Indeed, God has another purpose for him and he was only redirected, not punished.
His fervent prayers was granted and he was acquitted from the case of murder. After being discharged he went back to his family and started looking for a job. Adjusting was challenging, but Kim was able to adjust. Now, he has his own family (a wife and a son), which pushes him to be productive. He tried different jobs, like managing the family’s water refilling station business. He also took up Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in English through modular distance learning at Surigao del Sur State University for a year but stopped due to conflict of schedule between work and studies. Nonetheless, Kim plans to enroll again next opening of classes at Saint Theresa College since it offers schedules suitable for him. At present, he is working as an Administrative Assistant I at the DSWD Crisis Intervention Section assigned in Tandag City under the supervision of the SWAD Team Leader of Surigao del Sur.
Kim’s experience is a manifestation of hope and his life is a living testimony of the good impact of the R.A. 9344 law. Kim is still a work in progress and is aiming for success not just for himself but also for his family.#
