Provincial government plans to rename rehab center after Sanchez

CEBU, Philippines- The Capitol plans to rename the center for children in conflict with the law situated in Tayud, Consolacion town after former Cebu vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr.

This was disclosed by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale to Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, the late vice governor’s daughter. Magpale co-chairs the Provincial Council for the Welfare of Children.

This development came after Sanchez’s heirs pledged to donate a lot to the provincial government which would be utilized for the extension of the rehabilitation center

Grecilda said she and her siblings – Leodegreco “Greco” Sanchez and Gerlyda Sanchez-Spiller – have agreed to offer the 500 square meter of the property they inherited from their father to be used for the extension of the center for children in conflict with the law called as “My Home.”

The existing center sits on a lot purchased by a German national from the Sanchez family.

Grecilda said Magpale requested to have a portion of the lot donated to the Capitol upon knowing that the facility is situated beside their property.

 “I talked to them (her siblings) about the donation. It was very much welcomed. Labi na pag-offer nila Gov (Hilario Davide III) and Vice Gov that the center will be named after my father. I think it was something providential,” she told reporters.

In a message sent through Viber, Gerlyda said the donation can be considered a symbol of their care to the children, apart from being a legacy of her father.

“I am very happy and I fully support that. It keeps our dad’s legacy alive! He was always into giving people a chance to mend their ways. Children in conflict with the law should know there are people out there ready to help them. There’s hope for every troubled child. I’ve seen that it’s not easy to witness children in conflict with the law. They actually need a strong support system to help them get through their struggles. It’s not just them but the family, society gets affected. With this shelter, it would be a major step in showing children that we care,” she said

In January this year, the Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation – Integrated Development Center, Inc. turned over the center to the Cebu Provincial Government.

The center is run by the Society of the Divine Word priests in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The provincial social welfare office allocated P6 million as budget for the center in 2015.

The two-storey center has a therapy room, counseling room, activity area, clinic and three large rooms. It has also two house parents, psychologist, social worker, cook and security guard.  (FREEMAN)