Mocha Uson goes through the wish list of the children-residents of the RSCC.

The Reception and Study Center for Children-National Capital Region (RSCC-NCR) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently celebrated its 52nd anniversary of caring for abandoned, neglected, abused, and exploited children.

RSCC serves as home for children aged seven and below who were neglected, abandoned, given up by their parents, and dependent children whose lives are at risk.

The theme of the anniversary celebration was  “Tama at Wastong Pag-aruga, Dulot ay Masaya at Malusog na Bata”.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the visit of one of the former residents of the center, Celia Meegan.

Celia stayed in the Center until she was adopted by the Meegan family from the United States.

“I would like to thank the RSCC for taking care of me before I got adopted by the Meegan family. I still remembered the time when I was going to school with my fellow former residents and learned ABCs. Now, I am Director and Assistant Principal in a private primary school in Boston, Massachusetts,” Celia proudly shared during the founding anniversary celebration.

Celia served as an inspiration to all the residents and guests during the momentous event. She encouraged the children to never stop dreaming and praying.  She also said that they should always be thankful to the blessings they are receiving every day.

DSWD Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jacel J. Paguio reiterated the message of Celia and called for the continuous partnership with  donors to wholeheartedly work together in making a difference in the lives of the residents.

Partners and donors were also recognized during the celebration for their untiring support to further serve the residents.

Pastor Roel Tiamson of Christian Heritage Foundation, one of the generous donors of the RSCC  said,  “It is very rewarding to work for the children by providing sports activities and spiritual enrichment.”

Help for the centers

DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo said, “Nakakalungkot na madami ang bilang ng mga batang napapabayaan, naaabuso at iniiwan ng magulang. Sila ang pag-asa ng bayan, ngunit sa ganito kaagang panahon sa buhay nila ay nakaranas na sila ng kasawian.  Ito ang pangunahing tungkulin ng DSWD, ang bigyan ng pag-asa at siguraduhing protektado ang karapatan ng mga nangangailangan. Ipagpapatuloy natin ang pagbibigay malasakit at oportunidad sa mga bata para makahanap ng mas magandang kinabukasan tulad ni Celia (It is disheartening to know that there are a number of children who are neglected, abused and abandoned by their parents.  The children are the future of our nation, yet, many children have suffered greatly at a very young age.  This is the primary work of DSWD, to give hope and ensure that the rights and welfare of the needy are protected.  We will continue to provide compassionate service and opportunities to these children so that they would eventually have a better future like Celia).”

The Secretary added that DSWD is currently improving its centers and institutions nationwide to ensure that efficient public service is provided to the most vulnerable, disadvantaged and marginalized sector in society.

For this year, RSCC-NCR, which currently cares for 135 children,  will be undergoing improvements in its water system in the amount of P2.1 million.

Mocha for the children

In the meantime, singer and performer Ms. Mocha Uson has already begun to campaign for more support for DSWD Centers,  including the RSCC-NCR.

She visited the center two weeks ago to see the facilities and the children.

Uson has positively responded to the invitation of Sec. Taguiwalo to use her (Uson’s) influence in social media to address humanitarian concerns, specifically to promote the programs of DSWD that seek to help the most vulnerable sectors of society such as children and the elderly.

She uploaded a video of her visit in her blog, Mocha Uson Blog.

“In keeping with our government’s calls to uphold the rights of children in the country, we want to improve all government facilities that are meant to provide shelter and protection to abandoned and/or abused children. Ordinary citizens can contribute to these efforts by giving what they can by way of donations to the RSCC and the children it is helping. Together we can make a difference in the lives of children if we support the center that is taking care of them,” Uson said. ###