The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has formally opened its PHP32.9 million regional rehabilitation center for youths and children facing criminal cases located in Tantangan town, South Cotabato province.

Cezario Joel Espejo, DSWD 12 (Soccsksargen) Director, said in a statement on Tuesday that the “state-of-the-art” facility caters to male children in conflict with the law (CICLs) who are undergoing intensive treatment and rehabilitation.

Espejo said the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) has a capacity of 60 beds and is the largest in the region. It sits on a 5,000-square meter lot in Barangay Bukay Pait, Tantangan and features a dormitory, administration building, and a covered court with
a stage that will serve as a recreation center.

Social Welfare Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista personally led the inauguration of the center last Friday.

Espejo said the center, which was moved from its previous location in Tupi town, aims to ensure the protection of the rights of children who are facing criminal cases.

He said RRCY’s clients are young children who were ordered by the court to undergo rehabilitation while waiting for the suspension of their cases.

The local government of Tantangan, through Mayor Benjamin Figueroa Jr., has committed to provide the necessary support for the facility, which is managed by DSWD-12.

The Public Attorney’s Office 12 provides technical assistance and other support initiatives in its operations. (PNA)