Zamboanga City — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) welcomed the New Year with a meaningful activity for children at the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) today, held at the RSCC Multipurpose Hall in Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City.

The activity aimed to foster renewed hope, joy, and optimism among the children as they begin another year filled with possibilities. Through simple celebrations, DSWD emphasized the importance of building a nurturing environment for its children-clientele for their holistic development, lessening, if not eradicating any signs of trauma from their past experiences.

Children participated in various activities such as gift-giving, interactive games, and group activities designed to encourage laughter, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. The event created a warm and festive atmosphere, reminding the children that they are valued, cared for, and supported.

In a statement, DSWD Field Office IX Regional Information Officer, Mr. Ivan Eric C. Salvador, emphasized that the Department holds simultaneous activities today in all its centers and residential care facilities across all regions in the country.

“DSWD, especially in this holiday season, ensures that social welfare interventions are provided to our clientele such as the children, the elderly, women, PWD, and the displaced individuals,” Salvador added.

The RSCC is a residential facility under DSWD that provides temporary care and protection to less fortunate children who are abandoned, orphaned, abused, maltreated, exploited, or neglected. Beyond meeting their basic needs, the center focuses on helping children heal, grow, and prepare for a brighter future.

DSWD officials and staff expressed that welcoming the New Year with the children is a symbolic gesture of renewed commitment to safeguarding their welfare and strengthening programs that promote hope, resilience, and positive development.

During the event today, 6-year-old child-client alias Peachy, shared that her New Year’s resolution is to study harder this year. Peachy, through the guidance of the house parent at the RSCC continuously stays in school while receiving social welfare interventions at the center.

On the other hand, 8-year-old alias Florence, says that she looks forward to seeing her older brother this year.

Both clients are in the RSCC since 2024. They both undergo psycho-social services such as play therapy, case assessments, among others. These interventions are designed to help the children fully recuperate and prepare them for their eventual reintegration with the community and their family.

Other services of the RSCC include: Dietary Services, Health and Medical Services, Psychological Services, Spiritual Services, Recreational Activities and Early Childhood Care and Development with an in-house Day Care Worker that is being operated by the center to provide pre-school education to children.

As the New Year begins, DSWD continues to reaffirm its mission of ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, is given the chance to dream, heal, and look forward to a better tomorrow.