As the summer season continues, the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) of DSWD Field Office 7 officially launched the ‘RRCY Sportsfest 2025’ on April 25, 2025, at the RRCY Covered Court.

The month-long event, which will run throughout May, features various sports and recreational activities designed for children in conflict with the law (CICL) currently residing at the facility.

A key activity in the center, the sportsfest aims to strengthen the bonds among residents, boost their self-esteem, and develop leadership skills. It also promotes teamwork and cooperation, all within a supportive environment that plays a vital role in their rehabilitation journey.

During the opening ceremony, residents marched around the center grounds, grouped by teams: Team Makayayay (Green), Blue Shark Team (Blue), Team Red Horse (Red), and Team Bee (Yellow). Each team carried its own banner, reflecting its identity and team spirit. The banners were raised by team representatives as a symbol of unity and sportsmanship.

In her opening remarks, RRCY Officer-in-Charge and Social Worker Lovelle M. Suarez emphasized the event’s theme: “Tigi alang sa Pagpalambo sa Kahanas, Kahibalo, ug Abilidad, Atong Pun-on sa Kalipay, Kamaya, ug Kadasig” (“Competition for the Development of Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities—Let us Fill it with Joy, Fun, and Enthusiasm”), highlighting the importance of engaging the youth in meaningful activities within the center.

To officially kick off the competition, the ceremonial lighting of the torch signaled the start of the games. The CICL, who currently serves a suspended sentence for a drug-related offense, carried the torch.

The opening program features a face-off in a yell-and-cheer dance competition and a banner-making contest showcasing the creativity of each team’s banner. Team Red Horse (Red) was awarded Best in Team Yell, the Blue Shark Team (Blue) earned Best in Banner, and Team Bee (Yellow) emerged as the Champion of the Cheerdance Competition.

Throughout the sportsfest, residents will compete in various events, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, sprinting, long jump, and high jump. Board games such as chess, checkers, Scrabble, and Snakes and Ladders are also part of the lineup.

A vibrant performance of the song Bagani highlighted the Sportsfest. The song celebrates the nobility and compassion of the Filipino spirit—virtues that reflect the values they continue to cultivate within the facility.

According to Suarez, the sportsfest plays a crucial role in enhancing the children’s participation and skills in sports. “With the many activities we have prepared for them, we are confident that these children will find sports they enjoy and continue to engage in them even after completing their rehabilitation,” she said.

Overall, the RRCY Sportsfest 2025 serves a platform to foster camaraderie, nurture leadership, and build teamwork—core values that support the development and rehabilitation of the CICLs.

Currently, RRCY houses 81 children in conflict with the law, with rehabilitation programs lasting from one year or beyond. ###