Free education, livelihood provided to rescued street children, victims of abuse in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS) is glad that more of those under their care via the Sta. Rita de Cascia for Women and Children’s Center (SRDCWCC) have taken the opportunity provided for free education and livelihood training.

Aside from providing a safe shelter for victims of abuse, as well as for rescued street children, SRDCWCC provides psychosocial therapy and medical assistance and encourages them to study or undergo different training.

Currently, some of the 56 individuals who are currently at SRDCWCC are given free college, high school, and elementary studies courtesy of the Cebu City Government.

SRDCWCC head Melody Seno said she encouraged her wards to continue with their studies even though they are currently in custody.

“Gina-encourage sab sa amoa nga dapat mopadayon gyud sila og skwela kay wala man gud ta kabalo ig gawas nila kung asa sila padulong,” Seno said through the City’s Sugboanon channel.

Seno said some of her wards are already studying in college through the Cebu City College Scholarship Program while the younger ones are availing of education in some public schools in the city.

For high-risk victims under SRDCWCC’s care, they have availed of free elementary and high school education through modular means.

Others are also provided with livelihood training, including repurposing recycled materials, manufacturing dishwashing liquid, and even culinary arts, among others.

Their studies and training are expected to help them move forward in life.

Those that are under SRDCWCC are based on the recommendations of social workers under the City’s Department of Social Welfare and Services.

“Ang requirements gyud before makasulod sa amo-a is referral letter from the DSWS through social worker, then case summary, NSO or live birth sa bata, and also psychological and physical exam results,” Seno added.

Meanwhile, the 13th GKK or Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan award given by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to the best of the best in the area of safety and health of workers in the workplace and in the community was launched in Cebu City on March 7, 2024.

Spearheaded by DOLE and the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), one of its attached agencies, the event gathered participants from various industries who are potential candidates for the prestigious award.

“We are bringing the launch and promotion of the 13th GKK to the regions because we want as many enterprises and individuals as possible to join and we want to extend this opportunity to deserving enterprises and individuals to be recognized for their accomplishments and best practices in the field of Occupational Safety and Health,” said Dr. Maria Beatriz Villanueva of the OSHC in her speech.

The best of the best or the exemplary establishments and individuals will be recognized as “Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan Champions” for their commendable achievements.

OIC-Assistant Regional Director Emmanuel Ferrer, who represented DOLE-7 Regional Director Lilia Estillore to the launch said that the department is advocating for safety and health in the workplace.

Upon inspection, he said that they check the compliance of the companies not only under the General Labor Standards but also under the Occupational Safety and Health Standards.

“We would like to emphasize that safety is non-negotiable. To help propel this advocacy, we see the GKK Award as one perfect example of incentivizing companies and individuals who have undertaken concrete strides in the field of safety and health. With this, the DOLE fully supports the GKK,” said Ferrer.

The DOLE’s Technical Advisory Visit (TAV) is also seen as an avenue to further promote the GKK especially among the micro-establishments.

Winners or the so-called Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan Champions will receive cash prizes with the national winner to represent the country and to be nominated to the ASEAN OSHNET Awards. — (FREEMAN)