The majority of the children had difficulty describing how they ended up in the RRCY. They would just say that they are in RRCY because they have committed an offence and that the judge ordered them to serve their sentences there. Others would say that it was what the judge wanted. As they had no idea why they were sent to RRCY, they could hardly describe the ad- mission process. Only two respondents said they were interviewed by a social worker prior to the arraignment and that the social worker asked them whether they
were first-time or repeat offenders. When the social worker learned they were repeat offenders, he told them they might not qualify for RRCY. Nevertheless, they pleaded with the social worker since they have heard good things about the centre. Two out of the eight respondents pointed out that they were sent to RRCY to reform themselves and acquire good behav- iour (para mag-usab sa kaugalingon ug makakat-on sa
maayong pamatasan).
The majority of those on suspended sentence (75%) said they had to stay in BBRC for at least two months after the promulgation of judgement before they were brought to RRCY. At the time of the interview, 38 % of the respondents have been in RRCY for five months (see Table 3.9.).
Some of the respondents, particularly the newcomers, reported that they were not allowed to sleep in the regular quarters of the centre upon arrival. They were made to sleep in the isolation room for a period of one week before they were given regular room assignments. They can, however, mingle with the other children during daytime.
While the centre has an elementary school inside the compound with two teachers, none of those inter- viewed were enrolled in the school. This might be because the school year has started when they entered the centre. Since the respondent from the province was already a high school student, he could no longer enrol in grade school. Apparently, there were no attempts to introduce non-formal schooling for children who were not or could not be enrolled.
The staff in RRCY, however, have initiated skills train- ings for the children who were not in school. Among the trainings were hollow blocks making, hog raising, cooking and farming or gardening. A child receives Php 5 (9 cents) per hour if he participates in the skills training activities.
There are counselling sessions in the centre for new entrants. If fighting among the children breaks out, those involved are usually asked to report to the social worker or psychologist for a counselling session. The staff also provides counselling to those who seek advice or are depressed.
For their spiritual needs, the staff organises the holding of Kasaulugan sa Pulong (bible sharing) every Sunday with a lay minister from a nearby barangay. There are also regular bible sharing and seminars on moral values. The children are asked to pray every morning as part of their daily routine. Mass is held once a month. The children are also allowed to play games like basketball, volleyball and table tennis. Sometimes the staff would allow them to organise sportsfests among themselves. Nevertheless, everyone complained of loneliness. Most of them (80%) miss their families while a few said they are lonely because RRCY is very far (“Gimingaw kami
kay layo ang RRCY”) Half of the respondents com- plained that their families have not written to them nor visited them, while one worried that his family might not be able to visit since they did not know that he had been transferred to RRCY. A respondent said he does not like RRCY because he could not roam around since it is very far (“Dili kasuroy-suroy kay
layo). Another complained that he does not like RRCY
because of the fights that ensue between or among the children (“Kapoy kaayo ang RRCY kay awayon sa laing
bata unya kontrahan”).
In general, they all agreed that RRCY is much bet- ter than BBRC. According to a respondent, he liked RRCY because it is not a jail. Since it has no grills, it felt like home. The children have enough food and they even have milk during breakfast. They have clean beddings and they can play basketball and volleyball during designated hours. The staff are also attentive to their needs.
Despite the relatively wholesome environment of RRCY, a few children have tried to abscond. Loneli- ness is the main reason for this, according to most of the respondents. Two of the respondents also observed that some of the children would attempt to abscond because they have not yet adjusted to life in the centre. A respondent said they would escape because they had a hard time changing their old ways. At the centre, they cannot smoke and they do not have money (“Moeskapo
kay wala pa kabiya sa daan nilang binuhatan, diri dili ka-sigarilyo ug di kakupot ug kwarta”). A respondent
who had attempted to escape twice (otherwise, he would have been released a long time ago) revealed that he did it the first time because his grandmother did not visit him. The second time was when he quarrelled with one of the staff.
There are rules in RRCY, such as the following: • No smoking
• No picking of fruits
• Walking around the centre without a shirt is prohibited
• Entering the rooms of the other children is prohibited unless one secures prior permission to enter
• Raiding the kitchen for food is prohibited • No fighting
• Treat each other and others in the centre with respect
Usual punishments for attempting to escape or for breaking the rules (e.g. fighting or quarrelling with other children) are being placed in the isolation room for a few hours or even days depending on the gravity of the offence and working in the farm or other liveli- hood activities without compensation.
None of the respondents knew when they would be released from RRCY. They are aware though that behaviour change or good behaviour while inside the centre is the basis for an early release (batasan ra ang
agdon or kung mausab ang batasan). The respondents
are also not familiar with the exact process of release or how the staff would evaluate and assess their per- formance.
Majority (87.5%) agreed that their stay in RRCY has prepared them to go back to their communities. They were optimistic about their behaviour change. At the centre, they have learned to be respectful toward their elders and to be responsible. Under the supervision of the staff and the house parents, they seemed to have given up their vices. A respondent pointed out that he was able to reflect during his stay in the centre and realised that what he did was wrong (Nga sayop diay
to ang iyang gibuhat).
Majority agreed that their experience had in one way or another affected their lives. Their arrest has made them reflect on what they have done. Most of the respondents particularly the first-time offenders were remorseful. They described their first foray into BBRC as filled with fear and loneliness, which has eased gradu- ally as they adjusted to life inside. The second-time offenders admitted that putting them in BBRC did not change them at all. In effect, it had made them more incorrigible (bugoy) and recalcitrant (salbahe) since they have learned more dirty tricks from the adult prisoners. Besides, they were able to continue their vices while inside the jail. RRCY, however, has given them a chance to change themselves. It was in RRCY that they learned about values, respect and new ways of relating with others (nakat-on og batasan nga
wala pa makat-uni).
A repeat offender noted that he had changed in some ways while in RRCY (Medyo nabu-otan ko sa RRCY) but he cannot promise that the change will last once
he goes back to the community. “Naa may mga tintal
diha sa kilid, siguro magbantay lang, pero lisod mosaad
(There are always temptations that are difficult to resist. Perhaps I could watch out but it would still be difficult to make promises),” he said. Another repeat offender, however, swore not to commit the same mistake. To him, there is no comparison between RRCY and BBRC. He noted that life is very easy and comfortable in RRCY and he has learned traits that he did not learn outside. Besides, the social workers have explained to him that his previous records would be erased when he reaches 18 if he performs well while on suspended sentence and does not commit another offence after his release from the centre.