A TOTAL of 34 Children in Conflict with the Law or CICL residing at the National Training School for Boys or NTSB have finished their elementary and senior high school education under the Jose Fabella Memorial School – Tanay Unit.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the graduates serve as a testament to the miracles created by second chances.

“Despite the circumstances that you are in, you allowed yourselves to make right choices that will shape a future that you are proud of,” Dumlao said.

“The achievements that you received will also serve as an inspiration for us in the Department to continue to advocate for the stronger implementation of restorative justice in the Philippines,” the DSWD spokesperson said.

Under Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, restorative justice involves the comprehensive management of CICL from prevention, to rehabilitation and reintegration through the development of a Comprehensive Juvenile Intervention Program at the national and local levels.

During the graduation ceremony, a CICL senior high school graduate delivered a commencement speech to thank all the people who helped them in their journey while inside the facility.

“Kailan man ay hindi ako nagkaroon ng negatibong pagtingin sa NTSB; bagkus tiningnan ko po ito bilang isang pagsubok o challenge na alam ko pong makakatulong sa akin sa paghahanap sa aking sarili, sa pagtuklas at paghubog pa ng aking mga talento at kakayahan. Kabalikat po nito ang pagpapatatag sa aking sarili sa lahat ng hamon sa buhay na paparating at magkaroon ng maraming kaalaman patungkol sa pagpapaayos ng aking sarili at buhay,” he said.

According to Tony, his more than a year of stay in the training school has changed many things within him.

The NTSB is a residential care facility managed by the DSWD Calabarzon providing protection and parental care to CICLs to help them through rehabilitation in a residential setting and prepare them for successful adjustment with their family and community after discharge.