Every child deserves the opportunity to change, grow, and begin anew.
At the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DSWD FO CAR), this belief serves as the foundation of its mission to help Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) rebuild their lives and rediscover their potentials.
To help the youth become responsible, productive, and law-abiding members of society, RRCY continues to reinforce its network of support through meaningful partnership with organizations. For RRCY Head Clarissa O. Padio, rehabilitation thrives through collaboration. She emphasized that this is not the sole responsibility of one institution. It requires the collective efforts of partners who share the same vision of helping RRCY residents realize their potentials.
Recognizing that transformation requires the support of an entire community, this commitment was reaffirmed through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between DSWD FO CAR RRCY and three faith-based organizations — Church in the House Global, Inc., Open Door Baptist Church, and Grace Baptist Church, on 04 June 2026. The partnership aims to strengthen the Center’s rehabilitation programs by integrating spiritual care, values formation, mentorship, and psychosocial-spiritual support to foster the holistic development of its residents.
Church in the House Global Incorporated pledged to conduct regular spiritual enrichment and youth fellowship activities for the residents. These include worship through singing, Bible sharing and teaching, prayer and encouragement, and fellowship activities, creating opportunities for the youth to strengthen their faith and foster meaningful relationships.
“Through this partnership, we commit ourselves to providing a safe and respectful environment in promoting good character and moral values, and offering prayers for spiritual encouragement,” Pastor Emmanuel G. Rodriguez of Church in the House Global Incorporated said.
Meanwhile, Grace Baptist Church expressed their congregation’s readiness to sustain a long-term collaboration with RRCY, bringing a holistic approach to ministry by combining spiritual nourishment with creative and physical development. Aside from devotion and the sharing of God’s Word, the ministry provides opportunities for musical development through the use and instruction of musical instruments, promotes physical wellness through basketball and team-building games, and extends social support through meals and refreshments for both residents and staff during the activity.
“We warmly accept this partnership and everyone is excited to join this ministry to serve our constituents,” Reverend Delano J. Idio of Grace Baptist Church shared with enthusiasm.
Further, Open Door Baptist Church likewise committed to providing spiritual, moral, and faith-based support services aimed at promoting the holistic well-being of the residents while respecting their individual rights, beliefs, and dignity. Through prayer, biblical teachings, and spiritual guidance, the church seeks to help the youth develop positive values and strengthen their faith as they journey toward healing and transformation.
“For us, it is a privilege to minister to these young lives. We hope to help them discover hope, strengthen their faith, and lead lives anchored on good values,” Pastor Benigno Busacay Jr of Open Door Baptist Church said as he thanked the DSWD RRCY for entrusting them with the opportunity to become instruments of hope and encouragement for the young residents.
More than a residential facility, the RRCY is a place where healing takes root and second chances are nurtured. RRCY serves as a nurturing 24-hour out-of-home placement for male CICL aged over 15 but below 18 years old whose sentences have been suspended. Established under Republic Act No. 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, the facility provides intensive treatment in a residential setting. At present, the Center is home to 12 residents, who stay for a period ranging from six months to two years depending on their rehabilitation needs and court disposition.
Guided by the SHEPHERDS Framework, the Center provides holistic interventions that address the Social, Homelife, Economic, Psychological, Health, Education, Recreational, Developmental and Spiritual needs of its residents. It seeks to restore broken relationships, develop and enhance life skills, ensure the safety of communities, repair the harm caused by offenses, prevent juvenile delinquency, and encourage adherence to individualized rehabilitation and intervention plans, preparing them for eventual reintegration into their families and communities.
“Every child deserves a second chance; every child deserves compassionate guidance and the opportunity to start over. This partnership affirms that rehabilitation is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can provide not only services and interventions but also hope, guidance, and opportunities that help our youth become responsible and God-fearing citizens,” DSWD FO CAR OIC Regional Director Enrique H. Gascon, Jr. said.
As the three faith-based organizations joined hands with the RRCY, they carry more than programs and activities, they bring a message that mistakes do not define a person’s future. This partnership represented a shared promise among government and community partners to walk alongside RRCY residents on their journey toward healing and renewal.
Through faith, compassion, and community support, healing becomes possible, hope is rekindled, and second chances become stepping stones toward brighter tomorrow. # DSWD FIELD OFFICE CAR, SOCIAL MARKETING UNIT, MAYROSE U. CARIÑO
