Malate, MANILA – The MiMaRoPa Youth Center (MYC) – a regional rehabilitation center for Children In-Conflict with the Law (CICL), held its first Youth Sportsfest –a two-day sports competition conducted in collaboration with PNP Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, last April 29-30, 2015.

The sportsfest kicked off with a parade along downtown Bansud followed by a short program to introduce the participants. The residents of MYC competed against selected participants from the Aetas of Sitio Ibong. “We would like to create an air of camaraderie among CICLs and the youth from outside the center,” said Moneth Pechon, Center Head.

The activity aims to provide a productive summer activities and improve the physical welfare of the youth. “This is the first time that we’ve done an event of this kind,” said Pechon. One of the residents was quoted saying “masaya ako kasi ngayon lang kami makakapaglaro na kasalamuha ang ibang kabataan.”

The OIC-P/INSP Marfredo B. Dulatre said that the theme “Pinagbuklod, Pinag-iisa, sa Saya’y Sama-Sama” is reflective of the overall objective of the event, which is to “allow the residents of MYC to mingle and socialize with non-resident youths,” in a form of sports competition. He added that this kind of events give the CICLs a sense of belonginess to a community, and will in turn support the “social development” stage.

The event was capped with an awarding ceremony and a boodle fight thereafter. ###