30 children from the Quezon City – Reception and Action Center (RAC) were turned over to Bantay Bata 163 – Children’s Village (CV), a halfway home that provides holistic healing for disadvantaged children. These kids, together with the 53 kids who are currently residing in CV, will now be taken care of by the social workers, house parents, nurses, and dietary staff in the facility.30 children from the Quezon City – Reception and Action Center (RAC) were turned over to Bantay Bata 163 – Children’s Village (CV), a halfway home that provides holistic healing for disadvantaged children. These kids, together with the 53 kids who are currently residing in CV, will now be taken care of by the social workers, house parents, nurses, and dietary staff in the facility.
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Kids who were rescued by the local government of Quezon City are mostly foundlings while others are street children who were found in different areas of the city. There are also some kids whose parents are currently in jail while others do not have any relatives who can care for them.
Ken*, an 11-year old Grade 3 student, has been under the custody of Quezon City Reception and Action Center (RAC) for over a month.
Like any other child, Ken wants to finish his studies. He is optimistic about achieving this knowing that Bantay Bata 163 will help him. When asked about his dream, he shared that he wants to be a firefighter. “Pangarap ko po maging bumbero para po makatulong ako sa mga nasunugan ng bahay,” (My dream is to be a firefighter so I can help fire victims) he enthused.
It is overwhelming to see kids in the process of healing but still recognizes the value of helping other people. Their experience and their current situation do not hinder them from giving a helping hand.
Ken is a kid who is fighting not just for his dreams but also for himself. Seeing how positive he is in life especially at his very young age is truly inspiring.
Bantay Bata 163 was initially established to give hope to children who were neglected and disadvantaged. “Hopefully ay yung kanilang karanasan dito ay makatulong sa kanila para sa pag papanibagong hubog ng sarili hanggang sa sila ay maireintegrate muli sa kanilang mga pamilya,” (Hopefully, their experiences here in Children’s Village may help them find their selves until the time that they will be reintegrated to their family,) said Maria Cristina Pasion, Officer in Charge and Supervising Social Worker of Bantay Bata 163 – Children’s Village. The turnover of children from Quezon City to the Children’s Village is part of ABS-CBN Foundation Bantay Bata 163’s partnership with Quezon City government to ensure the holistic protection and development of the youth.
* Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the child.