CEBU, Philippines - In order to help more minor offenders who need intervention and rehabilitation, the Cebu provincial government is set to construct another facility for children in conflict with the law in the province.
Hazel Padeos, social welfare and development officer, said in a statement posted in the provincial government's website that construction of the facility is set to start this month.
It will be located beside the My Home Center, a center for CICLs managed by Cebu province in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion town.
Padeos said the deed of donation of the lot has been made by outgoing Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez.
The deed of donation has already been signed by Governor Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale who are now just waiting for the document to be notarized.
The construction of the building will cost P10 million which will be taken from the Annual Investment Plan of the province.
Padeos said that the facility will be open to minors ages 12 to 18 years old who have offenses and cases such as parricide, murder and rape, adding that it can cater 60 to 70 persons.
Padeos said that the minors can stay from six months to two years as they will undergo the rehabilitation program.
The construction of the building is a response of the provincial government to the amended Juvenile Justice Welfare Act which states that all child-care institution will be called "Bahay Pag-asa."
The criterion for the structural design of the building is set by the Justice Juvenile and Welfare Council.
Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, "Bahay Pag-asa" will be a 24-hour child-caring institution that will be established, funded and managed by local government units.
It will provide short-term residential care for children in conflict with the law aged 15 to 18- years-old who are waiting for the court's decision on their cases. (FREEMAN)