The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga’s Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) marked its 23rd Foundation Day with a celebration centered around the theme, “Rooted in Values, Growing Towards Excellence.” The event brought together staff, partners, and residents to honor the Center’s achievements and reflect on its mission of rehabilitating and nurturing Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL).
Atty. Ingrid-Trixia Rullon-Nastor, Regional Director of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) in Caraga, graced the occasion with an inspirational message. She emphasized the importance of second chances and how institutions like RRCY are vital in reshaping the lives of young people, and giving them the tools and values they need to thrive in society. Her words resonated with the audience, especially the residents working towards becoming responsible and well-rounded citizens.
“Dili ninyo sayangan inyong pag stay diri kay naay purpose nganong naa mo diri. Dili ni jail diri, gipangga mo sa gobyerno. Ang inyong pag stay diri is for you to be transformed. Ang inyong nahimo before dili pa to end sa inyong kinabuhi kay naay kabag-ohan ang tanan busa dili mo magpabadlong diri ug maglayas. I-comply ang rehabilitation diri para makabalik sa pamilya ug komunidad na better person (Don’t waste your stay here because there is a purpose why you are here. This is not a jail; the government cares for you. Your stay here is for you to be transformed. What you’ve done before is not the end of your life because everyone has the chance to change, so don’t misbehave here or run away. Comply with the rehabilitation here so you can return to your family and community as a better person)
,” Dir. Nastor said.
Furthermore, a highlight of the celebration was the testimony of one former resident, John Ford, who had been discharged from the Center and reintegrated into the community. In his emotional and heartfelt speech, he shared his transformation journey at RRCY. His story showed residents that a positive future is within reach.
“Diri ko sa RRCY nakahatag ug value sa pag eskwela. Diri ko naka graduate ug High School pinaagi sa ALS program. Diri pod ko nahuman ug Senior High School. Paggawas nako, ako gipadayon akong pag eskwela ug naka graduate ug 3-Year Course sa ASSAT. Kung wala ko naabot diri, tambay cguro ko hangtud karon. (Here at RRCY, I learned the value of education. It was here that I graduated high school through the ALS program. I also finished Senior High School here. After I left, I continued my studies and graduated with a 3-year course at ASSAT. If I hadn’t come here, I’d probably still be unemployed until now.)
Diri pod ko nakakat-on pag-ampo. Diri ko sa RRCY nakakuhag interest sa pagluto so mao akong gikuha na kurso sa ASSAT ang Hotel and Restaurant Servicing Technology. Sa akong pagpangapply ug trabaho, ako gisulti akong kaagi ug ako karon nag trabaho nako sa Hotel and Restaurant Management Industry. (I also learned how to pray here. It was at RRCY that I developed an interest in cooking, so I took Hotel and Restaurant Servicing Technology at ASSAT. During my job applications, I shared my story, and now I am working in the Hotel and Restaurant Management industry.)
Bisan paman ug naay discrimination tungod kay gikan ug rehab, wala nako gikaulaw na nasulod kog RRCY kay dako kaayo ug impact sa akong kinabuhi ang pagkasulod nako diri (Even though there is some discrimination because I came from a rehabilitation center, I am not ashamed of being at RRCY because it has had a huge impact on my life),” John Ford said.
During the event, the Field Office also took the opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions of its partners, the “Friends of RRCY.” These dedicated individuals and organizations have consistently supported the Center’s efforts to provide holistic care and rehabilitation for its residents, ensuring that residents are equipped with the skills and values necessary to become productive members of society. The Friends of RRCY are integral in creating a nurturing environment where CICL residents can grow and heal.
Adding a festive atmosphere to the celebration were various contests and performances by the residents. Through culturally inspired art, music, and dance, they showcased their talents and worked collaboratively with their peers, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
The 23rd Foundation Day, celebrated last September 27, 2024, was a testament to the commitment of DSWD Field Office Caraga and its partners in fostering a nurturing and rehabilitative environment for CICL. As the Center continues to grow and evolve, it remains steadfast in its mission to mold the youth into exemplary citizens, rooted in values and striving towards excellence.
