The Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) officially concluded its 2025 Sportsfest on July 2, after months of competition and personal development through sports among children in conflict with the law (CICLs) undergoing rehabilitation at the facility.
The months-long sports festival brought together residents for various physical and recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, sprints, table tennis, and badminton.
Games featured in the competition included classic board games such as checkers and Snakes and Ladders, and traditional Filipino games, takyan (hacky sack) and patintero (line game).
The sportsfest officially came to a close with the announcement of this year’s awardees. The Green Team claimed the overall championship title, followed by the Yellow Team (Second Placer), Blue Team (Third Placer), and Red Team (Fourth Placer). Outstanding athletes in key sporting events were also recognized.
“It provides us a platform for identifying emerging leaders and helping them discover their strengths and potential through sports and group activities,” Viajedo shared.
Most Valuable Players
Using pseudonyms, “Jonathan” of the Green Team and “Robert” of the Yellow Team were named Most Valuable Players (MVPs) for volleyball and basketball, respectively.
Jonathan, a CICL from Brgy. Labangon, Cebu City, who is currently facing charges related to illegal drug use, led his team to victory in the volleyball tournament. He credited the win to teamwork and unity.
“Nagpasalamat ko sa akong mga kauban. Kung dili tungod nila, dili ko mahimong MVP sa among duwa. Tungod kay nagkahiusa kami, nahimong kami’ng kampiyon,” he shared.
He also expressed that the trust and support from his fellow residents inspired him to give his best on the court.
“Nadasig ko ug ang akong mga kaubanan tungod sa pagsalig nga gihatag kanamo sa usag-usa,” he added.
Jonathan expressed his desire to continue playing volleyball and hopes he can pursue it professionally after his reintegration.
He shared his hope of continuing to play volleyball and his dreams of pursuing it professionally after reintegration.
Meanwhile, Robert, a CICL from Pamplona, Negros Oriental, currently facing charges related to rape, was named MVP for Basketball. He shared that the sport became his outlet during his time in the center and helped him form strong friendships.
“Nakatabang ang pagduwa og basketball sa akoa kay mas daghan kong nahimong higala pinaagi sa akong pagtudlo kanila. Apan mas nitaas ang akong kompiyansa sa akong kaugalingon tungod kay misalig kanako ang akong mga kauban,” he said.
Robert believes he was named MVP for basketball because of his consistent three-point shots throughout the game, a feat he credits to the support of his teammates.
He hopes that once he leaves the RRCY, he will carry with him the positive mindset he developed through playing basketball, as he plans to search for employment opportunities.
“Sama sa kadaghan nga pagtulun-an nga akong nakuha gikan dinhi, akong bawnon ang akong kasinatian ug nahibaloan sa electrical, luto-luto, ug skirting, para ako mapahimuslan sa akong pamilya,” he shared.
Rehabilitation through sports
RRCY has utilized the Modified Therapeutic Community as a significant tool for behaviour shaping. It is a structured approach to rehabilitation that incorporates behavior modification, psychosocial support, and opportunities for personal growth. Through activities like the sports fest, the center continues to create meaningful experiences for CICLs that promote healing, reformation, and readiness for community reintegration.
As the event wrapped up, staff and residents celebrated not just the court victories but also the small, significant steps toward change and transformation.
As of July 2025, the facility caters to 84 CICLs. ###