“Your story is not over. Every day is your chance to rewrite a better chapter of your life.”
These words, delivered by Assistant Regional Director for Administration Enrique H. Gascon, Jr., headlined the celebration of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) 15th Anniversary in Sablan, Benguet. On 28 October 2025, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR) honored fifteen years of nurturing resilience and hope within a sanctuary dedicated to young people formerly in conflict with the law. The RRCY’s journey, perfectly framed by its theme, “Year of Resilience and Hope,” stands as a testament to the power of compassion, discipline, and the belief that every young person deserves a future.
The RRCY’s roots trace back to 26 June 2010, when it was formally established through the joint efforts of the Municipality of Sablan, Benguet, under a memorandum signed by then Mayor Boni Tacio and the Sangguniang Bayan. Situated in Payda, Bayabas, Sablan, the facility spans 8,967.86 square meters, symbolizing the vastness of second chances it offers to its residents. From the beginning, the Center was envisioned as a haven for healing — a place where children in need of rehabilitation could find care, structure, and guidance under the watch of trained and compassionate staff.
Over the years, the Center has become a nurturing home for children in conflict with the law (CICL) whose sentences have been suspended, providing them with 24-hour care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. More than just a facility, the RRCY is a space where young people are given opportunities to rebuild their lives — through education, skills development, and therapeutic interventions. It bridges institutional and community-based rehabilitation, linking its programs with local government efforts to ensure that every child reintegrated into society is supported, accepted, and ready to start anew.
Fifteen years since its founding, the RRCY continues to embody the spirit of resilience and hope — not only for its residents but also for every social worker, house parent, and partner who believes in the power of transformation. It remains a sanctuary of second chances, where young lives once lost are now rediscovering purpose, and where every new day is proof that change, indeed, is possible.
Where Healing Begins and Hope Grows
The ceremony began by defining the RRCY’s mission as a series of everyday miracles. Promotive Services Division Chief Mary Ann G. Buclao spoke of the deep meaning behind the anniversary’s theme.
“Resilience is not just about being strong—it is about standing up again after falling. And hope is believing that tomorrow can always be better, no matter how difficult yesterday was,” she explained.
She described the small moments that truly define rehabilitation: a youth finishing a skills training, composing a letter to their estranged family, or the simple, gut-wrenching admission: “Gusto ko nang magbago.” These moments, she said, are the clearest proof that transformation begins the instant someone chooses to hope again. Buclao then paused to pay heartfelt tribute to the people behind the scenes—the social workers, psychologists, house parents, and dedicated partners—who quietly give their hearts to help each youth rediscover their innate worth. “Hope grows when shared, and resilience deepens when nurtured with compassion and understanding,” Buclao added.
A Sanctuary Built on Compassion and Partnership
For Director Gascon, the 15th anniversary is both a significant milestone and a meaningful homecoming. He recalled the Center’s difficult inception—a land reached by unpaved roads, built on sheer will and borrowed strength.
“Fifteen years ago, this Center opened its doors to young people who had lost their way, but not their worth,” he said.
He emphasized that the RRCY’s endurance is a testament to trust. He expressed deep gratitude to the Municipality of Sablan, which granted the land through a remarkable 50-year agreement, solidifying the Center as a true community asset. “This Center will continue to be a place of second chances for generations to come,” he affirmed.
Gascon also passionately recognized the staff who “breathe life” into the RRCY every single day: “Our social workers, house parents, and staff face one of the most challenging yet meaningful tasks—to guide our residents through their most difficult moments. You are the guiding light of this Center.” He then offered a crucial reminder to the residents: the strict rules and routines are not meant to punish, but to teach the discipline and decision-making necessary for their successful return. “When you return to your families and communities, let them see the new you—stronger, wiser, and full of purpose” he said.
Redemption Forged in Resilience
Redemption found its voice in the assembly, courtesy of the Center’s true success stories. Though their names are withheld to protect their identities, the stories shared by former and current residents—young men who have successfully turned their pain into a renewed purpose—became the living, undeniable proof of the RRCY’s mission.
One young man, currently thriving in Grade 12 after completing his rehabilitation program, stood before the assembly and spoke of the Center as his foundation. “Dakkel a tulong ti RRCY kaniak. Daytoy ti nagbalin a pundasyon ti panagbiag ko. (The RRCY was a big help to me. This became the foundation of my life.)” he shared, acknowledging the immense impact the experience had on his life.
A former resident, now pursuing his dreams in culinary arts at a university in Baguio, spoke with the sobering clarity of reflection. He admitted the difficulty of his past but insisted that the RRCY provided the essential moment of pause. “May mga pagkakataon na parang sobrang dami na ng problema at nalilito tayo. Pero habang nandito tayo, may oras tayong mag-isip-isip—para tanungin ang sarili natin kung ano ba talaga ang gusto natin at paano tayo babawi. (There are times we feel overwhelmed and lost. But here inside, we’re given the time to reflect—to ask ourselves where we’re heading, what our purpose is, and how we can make things right again.)”, he advised his peers. “This is our second chance, and we must use it well.” he added.
Echoing the necessity of perseverance was another former resident, currently a Political Science student, who focused on the future. He encouraged the youth to find hope in every new day, reminding them: “Hindi naman talaga madali kapag nandito sa loob, lalo na kung na-mi-miss mo ang pamilya mo. Pero ang bawat umaga ay nagpapakita sa atin ng bagong pag-asa. Makinig kayo lagi sa mga social worker ninyo, sundin ninyo ang inyong mga house parent, at huwag na huwag ninyong kalilimutan ang inyong mga pangarap. Dahil may mas magandang buhay na naghihintay para sa inyo. (It’s not easy being here, especially when you miss your family. But every sunrise brings new hope. Listen to your social workers, follow your house parents, and never lose sight of your dreams. Because there’s a better life waiting for you.) he urged them.
This shared narrative of hardship and hope confirms that the RRCY’s mission is not just about rehabilitation—it is about a fundamental, powerful transformation.
A Shared Commitment for Second Chances
The celebration was sealed with the heartfelt support of RRCY’s dedicated community partners. Judge Mia Joy Oallares-Cawed, a long-time champion of the Center, expressed both admiration and pride.
“I don’t believe these children are bad—they just made wrong decisions,” she stated. She also expressed her deep appreciation for the staff. “I am always proud that we have a functioning RRCY, with capable social workers who help them find their way again” she added.
Reaffirming the local government’s steadfast commitment, Sablan Mayor’s representative, Luis Garambas, called the Center a beacon of transformation where guidance and compassion successfully rebuild lives. “We stand with you in this mission,” he promised.
Finally, former RRCY Center Head Bernard Cadaon Jr. closed the formal program with a heartfelt reflection: “This milestone is not only a celebration of years, but of every story of change, every act of compassion, and everyone who has been part of this journey.” He challenged the attendees to continue building a community that empowers every young person to rise above challenges and reach their full potential.
Fifteen Years, Countless Second Chances
As the celebration drew to a close, the resonant messages of hope, resilience, and gratitude lingered. RRCY’s 15th anniversary served not just as a retrospective on its journey, but as a commitment to the future—a celebration of every youth who dared to change, every staff member who chose compassion, and every partner who believed in the extraordinary power of the second chance.
Because within the walls of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth, every sunrise is a quiet, profound reminder — redemption is possible. Change is real. And hope lives here.#DSWD FO CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, Joanna Marie M. Caponpon-Apostol, PDO II
