CEBU, Philippines – With the formal opening of the Mandaue City Children's Center next month, officials are hoping that youth who are in conflict with the law can finally have the chance to transform their lives.
The one-story building, located in Barangay Basak, is expected to house city children, including its at least 20 juvenile delinquents.
The P21 million facility was already inaugurated last year, however, its opening was stalled due to other additions and arrangements.
It is envisioned to feature a boys' center and a girls' center. The center for boys, which is already done, is expected to cater to 60 children.
Under the project's second phase, the city will build the girls' center, which will accommodate 30 girls who are also in conflict with the law. This section will need P12.6 million in funding, according to officials.
Sarah Cortes, who chairs the Mandaue City Council for the Protection of Children, said furniture, appliances and other necessary additions are already in place inside the center, making it ready for use before Christmas.
Cortes said that at present, a few of these children have started to use the facility.
City information officer Roger Paller said this facility was especially constructed for children aged 17 years old and below who are currently facing charges for crimes they allegedly committed.
Paller said the center will not only house and feed the children through its social workers and assigned job order workers, it will also provide skills training for them.
As part of the administration's thrust to provide better life for them, Paller said deserving children will also get the chance to access formal education.
In his State of the Children's Address last week, Mayor Jonas Cortes challenged the City Social Welfare Office to keep the homeless children off the streets.
The mayor had also asked CSWO to provide them a home where they can start building their future.
He also asked the city government workers and non-government organizations to help by partnering with the city in finding ways to improve the lives of these children.
"I have to admit, it is very frustrating for me to see these children still on the streets when they should be in a home safe and protected," he said. (FREEMAN)