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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) underscored the long-term impact of establishing the first-ever Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) for girls in Consolacion, Cebu, during its inauguration on Friday, June 20, 2025.

DSWD key officials, together with representatives from the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), the Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns (CCFCJC), the Provincial Governor of Cebu, and the Municipal Mayor of Consolacion, Cebu, lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the inauguration of the first-ever RRCY for girls.

Secretary Rex Gatchalian, together with Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns (CCFCJC) Vice Chairperson, Associate Justice Geraldine Fiel-Macaraig, and DSWD Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Elaine Fallarcuna, led the blessing and ribbon cutting located in Sitio Baha-Baha, Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu.

Secretary Gatchalian checked the newly constructed facility’s dormitories, therapy rooms, and activity areas to ensure that the environment meets the standards of gender-sensitive and trauma-informed care for girls in conflict with the law (CICLs).

Joining Secretary Gatchalian were Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, Executive Director Tricia Claire Oco of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC); former Executive Director of the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC), Father Eugenio Docoy Jr., SVD, and DSWD Field Office 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero.

In his message, DSWD Secretary Gatchalian highlighted the long-term impact of establishing the RRCY for girls in Cebu.

“There has to be more of this regional rehabilitation for girls because 30 years or 40 years from now, one of the clients of this facility will be something in our country, and that is because there was an intentional action to change children’s lives,” said Secretary Gatchalian.

Meanwhile, DSWD‑7 Regional Director Shalaine Lucero assured that Field Office 7 will continue upgrading its facilities to provide better services for female CICLs. “This facility is a work in progress, and we will ensure that it will be a haven for female children in conflict with the law that provides extra love and extra care to its residents to become productive and responsible members of the society.”

This facility is part of the DSWD’s ongoing commitment to promoting restorative justice for children in conflict with the law (CICLs).

After the blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests participated in a brief walkthrough of the facility, followed by a program that provided an overview of the first RRCY for female CICLs, a message from the Secretary and message of support from different partner stakeholders. ###