The five Centers and Residential Care Facilities (CRCFs) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII joined the celebration of the simultaneous 2023 year-end gathering of DSWD CRCFs across the country to bring joy and happiness to its residents and clients in the Yuletide Season.

With the theme “Merry ang Christmas sa Bagong Pilipinas,” these CRCFs prepared various activities and sumptuous meals. They also distributed gifts on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

The Area Vocational Rehabilitation Center (AVRC) II in Labangon, Cebu City, had a Christmas party for their clients during the simultaneous celebration with other non-residential facilities across the country on December 17, 2023.

PWD clients enjoyed the interactive games and performances, while food booths offering drinks and street food provision delighted them. They also received gifts of basic and essential items.

A caroling contest highlighted the celebration, showcasing the creativity and talents of PWDs in depicting a Filipino family during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, residential care facilities arranged their Noche Buena and Media Noche gatherings on the eve of Christmas and New Year’s Day to let their residents experience the spirit of the holiday festivities even if they were within the confines of the center. Activities include online midnight mass on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

On December 25, 2023, the Regional Haven for Women, the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), and the Home for Girls in Labangon, Cebu City, converged to bring a unified celebration of their year-end gathering for abandoned, neglected, and abused women, children, and girls. The Regional Rehabilitation Center for Children (RSCC) catering to children in conflict with the law had a separate celebration in Argao, Cebu.

Fun and laughter filled the atmosphere as the CRCFs treated the residents to a whole day of entertainment provided by a magician, enjoyable games, hearty meals, food booths, and various performances from the residents.

To warm the hearts of the residents, the CRCFs gave them gift items that contained basic and essential items they needed while inside the facility.

At the end of the merry-making, residents and clients expressed their gratitude and appreciation to DSWD-7, especially Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who allowed them to experience a meaningful celebration of the Yuletide Season.

Despite the overwhelming longing for their families and loved ones and the homesickness inside the facility, the center staff went the extra mile to render service even on holidays to make them feel warmth, joy, and happiness. DSWD-7 assured that these residents and clients will be inspired and committed to doing better in their various rehabilitation programs. ###

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