RRCY-CICL Client in His Story of Success

Renante (not his real name) was only 15 years old when he was charged with murder, August 5, 2009. He was a fourth year high school student when he was placed at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in Candabong, Argao, Cebu. The RRCY is a facility ran by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) where male residents undergo intensive treatment and rehabilitation to prepare them for reintegration to their families.

At the center, Renante was engaged into various reformation activities. He became participative and obedient to the policies of the therapeutic community modality program, which aims to foster the rehabilitation of Children in Conflict with the Law.

Renante became one of the RRCY VII-CICL Officers who was responsible in facilitating the life skills sessions and religious gatherings. Eventually, he became one of the flag bearers in RRCY-CICL drill. The drill trains and nurtures discipline and leadership among the youth.

Mrs. Nida N. Cagigas, supervising house parent said, “Renante is respectable and responsible. He is not a demanding person and he is very industrious. He can be trusted, in fact, I considered him as one of my client buddies in the facility during his stay.”

Mrs. Susan S. Ortiza, RRCY VII Cook, added, “Renante was helpful in the kitchen, diligent and initiative. He always presented himself neat and tidy, willing to work without close supervision.”

Renante was one of the clients who undergone the aftercare capability program for the CICL. He took the Alternative Learning System and technical and vocational skills training such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), carpentry, masonry and the like at the Magone, Don Bosco Boy’s Home Compound in Cotcot, Liloan, Cebu.

With the full support from both RRCY and Magone Home Staff, Renante passed the October 2010 Examination for Alternative Learning System which he took at the Dalaguete National High School.

In June 2014, Renante was given a scholarship from the Salazar Institute of Technology in Cebu City and took up Bachelor of Science in Criminology. During his studies, the support from his family, RRCY team and Magone Home Staff was unending.

“Thank you so much to all the benevolent souls who restored my faith and lifted me up high to reach my goal. I dreamed to be a registered criminologist so I can legally protect and serve our nation. This is my way of giving back in return,” said Renante.

He visited the RRCY to personally express his gratitude to the RRCY staff and to deliver worthy insights to the present CICL clients in the center. He shared to the clients that they can also achieve their goals in life. “A strong determination, good attitude and resilient faith in God can surely turn nobody to somebody.”