July 25, 2014 marked another milestone for the RSCC, as the center celebrated its golden anniversary. With the theme “RSCC at 50: A celebration of love and protection for Children,” the event was held at the Pantawid Pamilya Training Center inside the RSCC compound and was attended by former head social workers who were given plaques of recognition for their contribution in developing what RSCC is today. Also awarded with certificates of appreciation were RSCC partners and exemplary staff.
“RSCC has come a long way since its humble beginnings. I commend the former heads and staff who paved the way to what RSCC has now become” DSWD-NCR Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan said in her speech as she proudly showcased the history of RSCC to the audience.
One of the guests was former first lady and now Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos of the second district of Ilocos Norte. In her inspirational message, Congresswoman Marcos narrated how during the death of her mother, she felt the need to mother her other siblings. She also extended her mothering instincts when she became the mother of her own children and when she became the first lady of the Republic during the administration of his late husband.
At this point, she showed a video presentation of one of her projects in her district, the mothering centers. The mothering centers were established in 11 towns in Ilocos Norte and aims to provide round-the-clock support, such as: emergency medical services, police assistance, legal assistance, employment facilitation, government information, training and livelihood program to her constituents from far-flung areas.
Another highlight of the event was a message from Nikkalyn Lee. She is now residing in the United States with her adoptive parents and her adopted sister Jelyn. She graduated this year with a degree in psychology. In her speech, she recalled how she was scared and confused the first time she arrived at RSCC, how she was reared by Director Honorita B. Bayudan for two (2) years through foster care program and how she eventually came to know her adoptive parents.
During her monologue, Nikkalyn reminded the audience that “when it comes to love, it is not the amount inside your bank account that matters but your ability to share all that you have, and all that you are.” She ended her speech with a quote from her adoptive mother – “The illusion in life is that there is an infinite number of days to live. The truth is that there are a finite number of opportunities to give and receive love.”
Located in Barangay Bago Bantay in Quezon City, RSCC aims to help children 0-6 years old, who were abandoned or deprived of parental care by providing support services such as temporary care, custody or alternative family care for the survival, development and rehabilitation of the child. RSCC is now home to 79 children. ###