The Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) recently celebrated its 40th founding anniversary by honoring its partners and former center heads.

DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, also a former center head of RSCC, commended its various partners and donors for making RSCC not just a center but a home for the children.

“From our partners in the Local Government Unit, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Statistics Authority, and the private sector, we are deeply grateful for your assistance in saving each life possible and making RSCC a home for these little angels,” said Director Lucero during the celebration.

Various partners were recognized for their invaluable contributions to the center. The awardees were Dr. Janet Porcia, Atty. Raymund Bertulfo, Dr. Conchita Olasiman, Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc., Department of Social Welfare Services of Cebu City, DYRC Aksyon Radyo, Police Station 10-Labangon, Philippine Statistics Authority, SunStar Superbalita Cebu, Local Civil Registrar of Cebu City, Newborn Screening Continuity Clinic, and Barangay Health Center of Labangon.

Kenneth Raymund King, executive director of Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc., said in his message that “despite the challenges of the pandemic, the RSCC continued to work towards its vision of promoting the best interests and welfare of disadvantaged children.”

“This institution has been instrumental in changing hundreds of lives by giving them a home and rekindling their hope. RSCC is instrumental in finding new families that will raise and nurture these children,” added King.

The Juanito I. King Foundation, Inc., has been RSCC’s partner since 2008, providing free therapy sessions for special children or those with developmental disorders that were conducted by the foundation’s registered occupational and physical therapists.

Former center heads of RSCC were also recognized during the activity for paving the way for what is RSSC today. The former RSCC heads were Belma Rago, Shalaine Marie Lucero, Suchiella Arong-Gehrig, Jennifer Tadena, Clavel Saycon, Sheba Dabon, Rosalina Tatoy, and Jenifer Abastillas.

Posthumous awards were also given to Fe Arcilla, Prima Alberca, and Leah Colis who also served as RSCC center heads.

“I am proud to be part of RSCC’s journey with more than three years of service. Much happier because it was during my time as the center head that RSCC attained the level 3 accreditation or the center of excellence of course with the full cooperation from the RSCC staff and with the support of the DSWD-7 management,” said Jenifer Abastillas in her response message.

Adoptive parents also attended the activity, including DSWD-7 staff who adopted children from the center.

“I do not have the experience of raising a biological child because I do not have one, but for me, raising an adopted child is not much different from raising a biological child,” said Brenda Abilo, a social worker.

Abilo added that, like any other child, their daughter grew into a talented and responsible child, and she made them proud as parents that they were able to raise a child born by heart.

As an expression of gratitude to various partners, local government units, former center heads, donors, and adoptive parents, a mini concert entitled “Huni Pasalamat: The Concierto” was also conducted in the second part of the program. The mini-concert was performed by the NPO-Seven Kids Orchestra, the Adventist International Symphony Orchestra, and the AB Music Students from the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF). The repertoire included classic ballads and well-loved movie theme songs.

The RSCC is a child-caring institution managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that provides services to abandoned, neglected, and surrendered children aged 0–6 years old. Holistic services are provided in RSCC, such as home life services, medical services, nutrition and dietetics, early childhood care and development, spiritual services, socialization, and child placement. The primary aim of the center is to help the child achieve survival, rehabilitation, and development. ###

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