At age 14, Tantan (not his real name) faced the heartbreak of his parents’ separation. Left under the care of his grandparents with his three siblings, his world was turned upside down.
His life took an even grim turn when he was accused of a crime—a murder he adamantly denied committing. The weight of the accusation and the stigma it carried pushed him further to isolation and self-doubt.
Feeling abandoned and misunderstood, Tantan struggled to see a way forward.
Treated as a Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL), he was placed in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) in Field Office V.
Before his life at RRCY, Tantan was viewed as timid, reserved, and deeply withdrawn.
“Mahiyain talaga yang si Tantan,” said Social Worker Shema Ballesteros. “Pero kahit ganon, active at nagle-lead talaga siya sa mga activities. Tahimik pero pursigido.”
Oftentimes, Tantan was seen playing basketball in the center, where he gradually formed genuine relationships with other residents who soon became his buddies and friends.
In an interview with BicoldotPH, Tantan shared that his favorite memory in the center was during the sports festival
“Natatandaan ko pa ang sigawan ng lahat habang naglalaro kami ng basketball—hindi lang ito tungkol sa panalo, kundi sa saya ng pagiging bahagi ng isang grupo,” Tantan recalls fondly.
“Pagkatapos ng laro, nagsalo-salo kami at nagkuwentuhan, na parang isang malaking pamilya. Ang simpleng araw na iyon ay nagbigay sa akin ng pakiramdam ng pagmamahal at suporta na hindi ko makakalimutan.”
Such is a moment that made him feel the sense of belonging to a family and eventually, made him embrace the new life and second chance given to him.
A Faithful Soul
Beyond Tantan’s reserved demeanor, is a key aspect that sets him apart from his co-residents: his unwavering faith and relationship with God.
House parents at the facility shared that he never misses mass or spiritual sessions and is even concerned whenever a co-resident refuses to attend these activities.
When asked about his faith, Tantan sincerely expresses that his relationship with God serves as an invisible arsenal that gives him strength and hope, trusting that one day, he will be acquitted from the accusations and be reunited with his family.
“Malaki ang naging tulong ng RRCY sa relasyon ko sa aking mga magulang. Sa mga counseling sessions at family activities na kanilang inorganisa, [natutuhan] naming mag-usap nang mas maayos at mas pakinggan ang isa’t isa,” Tantan shared.
Through counseling sessions, life skills training, and educational programs, he slowly rediscovered his self-worth and began to dream again.
Turning a New Leaf
Just when events at the facility started to go in his favor, a pivotal moment came when he reconnected with his mother.
Though their relationship had been strained by years of separation and misunderstanding, the rehabilitation center facilitated moments of dialogue and healing, allowing them to rebuild their bond.
“Isang araw, habang nag-uusap kami ng aking ina, napaiyak siya at sinabing natatakot siyang baka balikan ko ang dati kong buhay na nakikipagsalamuha sa mga maling kaibigan. Doon ko sinabi sa kanya na nagbago na ako at gusto ko nang magsimula muli,” he said.
This reconnection healed scars and opened the doors for faster rehabilitation and after 14 months of staying at the facility, Tantan was finally discharged and was able to return to his previous life under the care of his mother.
After leaving the facility, Tantan decided to continue his education and enrolled in college under the Bachelor of Science in Criminology program.
Determined to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer, Tantan immediately took the Criminologist Licensure Examination (CLE).
Supported by his mother and family, Tantan’s drive to ace the boards is evident. He eventually passed it and went on a year of training.
And on November 18 this year, Tantan graduated from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and is now a full-fledged police officer, committed to serving not just his community but also building a stronger foundation for himself and his family.
Towards a Future Rooted in Love
Tantan’s aspirations extend beyond his career. He dreams of building a family founded on love, understanding, and unity—a stark contrast to the fractured home he once knew.
Reflecting on his journey, he strongly believes that a person’s past should never be a hindrance to fulfilling their dreams.
“Para sa mga katulad kong dating CICL, nais kong iparating na walang bagay na imposibleng baguhin ang ating buhay. Ang ating nakaraan ay hindi kailangang maging hadlang sa ating hinaharap. Marami tayong matututunan mula sa ating mga pagkakamali, at ang mahalaga ay gamitin natin ang mga aral na iyon upang maging mas mabuting tao,” Tantan shares.
Tantan’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of second chances and the importance of support systems in rebuilding lives.
More importantly, it highlights the crucial role of a family built on love, hope, and values in shaping a person’s individuality and their perception of the community they belong to.
Beyond being a fundamental unit of society, a family should provide a sense of safety and security.
Finally, Tantan encourages his fellow CICLs to keep striving for change, reminding them that good things can happen if one perseveres and trusts in their own abilities.
“Ang pagbabago ay nagsisimula sa atin. Huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Magtiwala tayo sa ating sarili at sa ating kakayahan na makabangon at magtagumpay (dahil) ang buhay ay puno ng oportunidad, at nararapat lang na ibigay natin ang ating makakaya upang magtagumpay at magkaroon ng mas maganda at mas maayos na kinabukasan.” I Ken Oliver Balde