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As the holiday season continues to bring happiness to everyone, the DSWD Field Office 7–Central Visayas, through the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) for Girls, conducted its first-ever holiday gathering for female children in conflict with the law (CICLs) on December 18, 2025, at the center in Consolacion, Cebu.

Residents join the staff in the presentation numbers and games.

The newly established center was filled with joy as staff—many of whom are newly hired by the Department—and residents came together with their families to celebrate the season. The activity marked a milestone for the RRCY for Girls, which only recently began its operations.

According to Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, holding a Family Day for the first time is a way to bring happiness and comfort to the two children currently admitted at the center and to their families.

“Since this center is very new, our operations are still lean, but the work continues day by day. While some of our staff already have experience in managing centers, we want to demonstrate how this new facility can conduct meaningful activities, not only during the holidays, but also in the many activities to come,” Lucero said.

She added that the gathering is part of the center’s social activities designed to actively engage the children. “Despite being confined at the center, we want them to feel that they are still part of a family,” she emphasized.

“We do not want them to be deprived of the warmth and longing for their families. That is why we bring their families to the center, so they can be together during this holiday season,” Lucero explained.

The Family Day fostered togetherness among residents, their families, and staff through fun games and shared meals, helping everyone experience the true spirit of the holidays.

The staff of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) for Girls with Social Welfare Officer II Lucel T. Gonzales after their strategic planning session on December 18, 2025.

Lucero also shared that the center officially started operations in October 2025 and is gearing up for more programs and activities in 2026. “We are definitely ready for a year of servicing clients, especially CICLs,” she noted.

Alongside the celebration, staff also conducted a strategic planning session aimed at further strengthening the operationalization of the RRCY for Girls in 2026. ###