DavNor's rehab center for at risk children opened

DAVAO DEL NORTE, April 3 (PIA) – The provincial government here will open a rehabilitation center for children at risk and in conflict with the law as a highlight of the 47th anniversary celebration of the charter day in the province on July 1.

Located in New Corella, PAG-ASA Home was built by the provincial government with additional funding of P 3.5-million from Department of Social Welfare and Development and the office of Congressman Anthony del Rosario.

Arlene Semblante, provincial social welfare and development officer, said that the center was conceptualize during the meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council, in which it was reported that adults were using children in committing crimes within the province.

Semblante added that the main cause of children being used in criminal activities was rooted in the family upbringing of the children.

Aside from the rehabilitation process of the children, the local social welfare office will also prepare the parents through inculcating to them their responsibilities to the child’s socio-economic lifestyle in the community.

A series of seminar and consultations will be done with the parents before their children will be transferred back to them, Semblante said.

Semblante revealed that as of now, the province has already 15 children in conflict with the law being lodged at the Regional Rehabilitation Center in Mintal, Davao City and will be transferred to the facility in New Corella as soon as it will operate.

“With the on-going procurement of furniture and fixtures, we are working on the guidelines for the operation of the center, which will be enacted through an ordinance,” Semblante said.

She said that to sustain the operation of the center, there will be a cost sharing between the local government units with children lodged in the facility.

Meanwhile, Semblante also bared that the center having a capacity of 25 beds will only accommodate boys; the girls will be housed in the Women Development Center in Tagum.

Arlene Semblante, provincial social welfare and development officer, said that there was a need to separate the gender group because they have different needs and wants. (PIA 11, Michael Uy)