CSF reopens buildings for children, youth development
After serving as temporary COVID-19 response and isolation centers, three facilities in the City Civic Center in San Isidro will now serve their primary purpose – to become avenues for development and improvement of “vulnerable” Fernandino children and youth.
Special Drug Education Center, Bale Lingap Kayanakan (Youth Care Facility), and Youth Development Center, the buildings that once catered to health workers and COVID-19 patients, were re-launched on May 16, 2022.
Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago said this proves that the City is ready to take on another challenge after focusing on combatting the pandemic’s threats.
“Ang muling pagbubukas ng mga gusaling ito ay naging posible dahil wala na tayong pasyenteng naka-isolate o quarantine dito at mayroon na tayong permanent isolation facility. Patunay ito na nalampasan na natin ang mahirap na yugto ng pandemiya at handa tayo sa anumang posibleng mangyari,” Santiago said.
“Ang bunga nito, magagamit na natin sila para sa iba pang mahahalagang aspeto – ang kapakanan ng mga batang nangangailangan nang lingap, kasama ang kanilang mga magulang,” he added.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer Aileen Villanueva said the facilities will cater to out-of-school youth, children in street situation, children in conflict with the law, and children at risk, along with their parents or guardians, if applicable.
Villanueva said several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are partnering with the local government unit to host programs such as counseling, classroom-alike lessons, book reading, and parenting seminars.During the launch, activities were simultaneously held at three facilities for the beneficiaries – an overview of what’s to happen on a regular basis, according to Villanueva.
“Magkakaroon tayo ng mga kasama dito sa pamamagitan ng mga rescue operations natin. Once rescued ang bata at kanyang magulang o kasama, dito sila dadalhin, dito aasikasuhin, dito gagawin ang mga programa. Kung walang mauuwian, mayroon tayong nakahandang temporary shelters,” she said.
John Carlo Marcos, former out-of-school youth, extended his gratitude to the city for making a difference into their lives.“Nais ko pong buong-pusong iparating ang pasasalamat sa pamahalaan sa walang tigil na pagmamahal sa amin at sa mga programang tumutugon sa aming mga pangangailangan. Dahil po sa inyo, ang bukas namin ay mayroon nang pag-asa,” Marcos shared.
Santiago said the City is open to cater to other children and youth beneficiaries from neighboring towns, citing “helping has no limits, especially for the children and youth.
”Also in attendance were Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 3 Director Marites Maristela, Councilor and Youth Development Council Chairperson Gustav Henson, members of the Local Council for the Protection of Children, and NGO representatives. (CSF CIO)
