The Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) of the DSWD Field Office 7 celebrated its 42nd founding anniversary on February 21, 2025, with a thanksgiving ceremony and recognition of key partners.
RSCC serves as a residential facility for abandoned, neglected, surrendered, and at-risk children aged 0 to 6 years old. It provides temporary care while collaborating with various institutions to ensure their protection, welfare, and total well-being.
Recognized partners come from various sectors, including national and local government partners, non-government organizations, the academe, media, faith-based groups, and private individuals.
“Honoring these partners and stakeholders is important to us because of their significant support and contributions to RSCC’s mandate,” said Dr. Jenneth R. Aquino, center head.
This year’s theme, “Nurturing Dreams and Building a Future for Children in Need of Love and Care,” reaffirms the commitment to providing not only the essential needs but also the emotional support these children require, alongside the hope of finding new families who will love and care for them.
“When our efforts to reconnect these children with their families or relatives who can offer them a better life are unsuccessful, be referred to RACCO 7, our partner for alternative parental care,” Aquino explained.
RACCO, or the Regional Alternative Child Care Office 7, is an attached agency of the DSWD that places children into loving families through alternative parental care – adoption and foster care.
OIC of RACCO 7, Concepción Solera, who received the award, shared, “We believe that every child deserves a loving family. I encourage you to join us in advocating for adoption and alternative child care and help us reduce the stigma surrounding it.”
She emphasized the agency’s advocacy through the “AMPON: Anak, Magulang, Pamilya, Ordinaryo pero Natatangi!” campaign, which seeks to eliminate the stigma surrounding adoption. “Adoption not only provides children with a home but also offers them a future filled with love and hope,” she added.
The rising number of teenage pregnancies, often leading to the decision to abandon a child, has resulted in the abandonment of many children in unsafe places, such as trash bins or public facilities, without regard for their well-being. Some are even left in churches, hoping they will be cared for by families who can provide better care.
RSCC reminds the public that there is a facility for neglected children. If they are unable to take on the responsibility of caring for them, they can refer the children to RSCC and RACCO for alternative parental care.
“We hope that those unable to take on the responsibility of raising a child will recognize that RSCC offers comprehensive services, not only for the children but also for parents facing the difficult decision to relinquish their child,” Aquino assured.
Sunstar Cebu was among the media companies recognized during the celebration. Media partners have played a crucial role in raising awareness about RSCC’s services by publishing announcements and assisting in efforts to locate the children’s families.
Other partners have played crucial roles in supporting RSCC by providing essential services – spiritual, emotional, medical, and psychological support. Their collaborative programs, along with RSCC’s efforts, have been vital in rehabilitating the children.
With a dedicated network of partners, RSCC is well-positioned to continue its significant work in safeguarding the welfare of children for many years to come. ###
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