The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), of which the Philippines is signatory, promotes the rights and welfare of children, including children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL). In line with this, the City Government of Naga has established the Naga City Children’s Home (NCCH).
In cases where a family is unable to provide care and support for its children, the NCCH provides shelter and basic services. It also provides rehabilitation and interventions to children, who, due to lack of guidance and/or a traumatic past… have committed acts against the law. In this article, let us get to know more about this facility — its target clients, objectives, programs, and services.
What is NCCH?
The Naga City Children’s Home (NCCH) is a shelter for minors who have been abused, neglected, abandoned, and/or have committed a crime against the law. It was established on March 16, 2013, and is located in Barangay Pacol, next to the Metro Naga Sports Complex in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
The facility is comprised of two large dormitories, a kitchen, a laundry room, and an administrative office. It is managed by social workers, an elderly resident, cooks, and guards .
Objectives
The Naga City Children’s Home aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Provide a wide array of services for the care, protection, recovery, and development of disadvantaged children;
- Provide nutritious, low-cost meals and recreational opportunities to ensure the optimum health of the children admitted in the facility;
- Facilitate the social preparation of disadvantaged children for eventual reunification with their families and reintegration with their communities;
- Network with other government and non-government agencies to maximize the assistance/services to the clients and their families; and
- Collaborate with stakeholders in advocating for the promotion and realization of the rights of disadvantaged children.
The above objectives were based on Ordinance No. 2022-048 of the Naga City Government Council, titled “An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Naga City Children’s Home (NCCH) Under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).”
Target Clients
The target clients of the Naga City Children’s Home include those who are:
- Male children, below 18 years old;
- Children in conflict with the law (CICL); and
- Children at risk (CAR) because they have been abandoned, abused, and/or neglected.
Notably, the crimes committed by most of the children are theft, shoplifting, illegal drugs, violations against property, possession of knives, and other street crimes.
Programs and Services
The NCCH provides a wide range of services, as follows:
Social Services. These involve comprehensive and integrated rehabilitation services using the interdisciplinary approach.
Homelife Services. Provision of basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and medicines.
Health Services. This involves the conduct of regular medical exams, in coordination with the City Health Office and the Naga City Hospital.
Educational Services. These include opportunities for continuous education through formal and/or non-formal education, in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and non-government organizations (NGOs).
Development Services. Activities aimed at helping the children develop awareness and care regarding environmental protection and other developmental issues.
Psychological, Psychiatric, and Paralegal Services. This involves the conduct of psychological evaluation as well as the provision of paralegal services, through referrals.
Economic Services. Conduct of skills training to help develop the children’s entrepreneurial spirit and employment aptitude.
Recreational, Supports, and Cultural Services. Provision of various indoor and outdoor recreational, sports, and socio-cultural activities.
Spiritual Services. This involves the conduct of activities that promote closeness to and communication with God.
Video: NCCH Celebrates Anniversary
The following video, shared by the Naga City Government Facebook page, features a news report about the anniversary of the Naga City Children’s Home:
Visits and Outreach
Over the years, many government, non-government, and private organizations have visited the NCCH to conduct various activities. Here are just some of the more recent visits:
Nursing Students’ Association – USI Chapter. In March 2022, nursing students from Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI) visited the NCCH. They gave food, slippers, and other items to the children.
BJMP Naga City District Jail – Female Dormitory. On November 26, 2022, personnel from Naga CDJ – Female Dorm held a feeding program at NCCH, in celebration of National Children’s Month.
STI College Naga. Recently, in May 2024, STI College Naga held its NSTP Outreach Program at NCCH. The students facilitated sports matches, games, and other fun activities.
Latest Updates
According to a report by Brigada News last January 2024, the Naga City Children’s Home is set to be relocated due to the rising number of residents. The report stated many children had been rescued during Christmas and the New Year. They were out on the streets, begging, and some of them had run away from their homes.
The NCCH is unable to accommodate the rising number of children, and so the Naga City Government is planning to relocate the home and build a bigger facility.
According to City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro, who is also head of the Naga City Council for the Welfare and Protection of Children, they need a bigger place where the children can hold their daily activities and programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Meanwhile, here are some frequently asked questions about NCCH:
1. What is NCCH?
NCCH stands for “Naga City Children’s Home,” a shelter for children who have been abused, neglected, abandoned, and/or have committed crimes against the law.
2. Who are its target clients?
The target clients of NCCH are male children, below 18 years old. These include children at risk (CAR) as well as children in conflict with the law (CICL).
3. What are its programs and services?
The NCCH’s programs and services include: Social Services; Homelife Services; Health Services; Educational Services; Development Services, Psychological, Psychiatric, and Paralegal Services, Economic Services; Recreational, Supports, and Cultural Services; and Spiritual Services.
4. How can I learn more about it?
You can learn more about the NCCH by visiting the facility or by getting in touch with them through telephone or email.
Contact Information: Naga City Children’s Home
Address: Barangay Pacol, Next to Metro Naga Sports Complex, 4400 Naga City, Camarines Sur
Telephone: (054) 473-3723 / 472-8760
Email: cswdo@naga.gov.ph
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Thanks to facilities like the Naga City Children’s Home (NCCH), children who have been abandoned as well as children who have committed crimes would have the chance to get proper care and interventions. This way, they can grow up to be responsible and caring adults who will eventually contribute to society.
Last April 2024, around 25 children in conflict with the law (CICL) participated and completed a skills training by TESDA. Check out this article to learn more about it!