The Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), a facility for children 0 to 6 years old neglected, abandoned, and surrendered and a Level 3 Center for Excellence, celebrates forty-one years through a recognition of partners. The anniversary carries the theme “Building Hope and Nurturing Dreams: 41 Years of Love and Care for Children.”

On February 23, 2024, at the Golden Valley Hotel in Cebu City, RSCC recognized the following individuals, academic and private institutions, non-government organizations, and LGUs through an awards ceremony.

Individual partners, Dr. Ma. Theresa Fortunato and Dr. Priscila Fernando, for medical and psychological services, respectively.

RSCC recognized the academic institutions that include the Cebu Institute of Technology University-Department of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences for its psychological and counseling services; the Cebu Doctors University-College of Rehabilitative Sciences for the deployment of therapy interns and clinical instructors; the University of Southern Philippines Foundation-College of Social Work for the deployment of social work interns; the College of Teacher Education, Arts, and Sciences for specialized free training to center staff; and the AB Music Chorale for various musical therapy sessions.

Also recognized were Private institutions like the Fil-Canadian Training and Development Center for the deployment of caregiver interns and Quilario Birthing Center for the provision of milk every year, as well as non-government organizations such as the Kaisang Buhay Foundation (KBF) in Quezon City for a monthly donation to buy medicines and other supplies, and the Cebuano Arts Club for the enhancement of the Early Childhood and Care Development (ECCD) room inside the center.

Local government units in Cebu, namely Barili and Talisay City, were among the LGUs in the region that have sustained partnerships with the center through medical assistance for all their referred clients.

In exchange for the recognition received, LGU Talisay City also recognized the facility, and the OIC for Social Welfare and Development Office, Coleen Enajada, handed a plaque to RSCC Center Head Jenneth R. Aquino.

Aquino said that the recognition is a testament to a humble appreciation for the stakeholders in their partnership. “We are proud that RSCC has sustained partnerships in providing love and care for abandoned and neglected children. The center is a sanctuary for children, offering them a chance for a better future by giving them the possibility of a loving family through the process of adoption,” she said.

The Regional Authority for Child Care (RACCO) is the only government agency to receive recognition this year. It is a quasi-judicial agency of the Department and a partner of the RSCC in bringing children into a loving family using alternative parental care through the process of adoption and foster care.

OIC Concepcion Solera said in her acceptance speech that the partnership between RACCO and RSCC has not only been about policy and program implementation. “It is a significant bond that champions the rights and welfare of children. It is deeply rooted in a shared advocacy for children’s rights and the promotion of adoption as a noble and loving option for child care,” she said.

Former center staff also received loyalty and citation awards: Arcadia Barlas for serving the facility for over 25 years as a houseparent and Roselyn Bandibas for being the most innovative.

While RSCC continues to put the best interests of the protection and rehabilitation of abandoned, neglected, and surrendered children through child welfare programs, it also endeavors to forge partnerships with different stakeholders in providing opportunities for children to experience the warmth of a family and grow in a loving and caring environment.

The anniversary celebration’s opening salvo on February 19, 2024, at the compound in Camomot Franza Road, Labangon, Cebu City, highlighted a parade, a holy mass, and Zumba for clients and staff.

They also carried out dental services, team building, and self-care activities to improve camaraderie and the welfare of staff, whom the center considered heroes, working 24/7 in the background whose daily sacrifices make a difference in the lives of the children. ###

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