The Northern Samar provincial government will build residential care for children in conflict with the law (CICL) to be called Bahay Pag-asa (House of Hope).

Key officials led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan led the groundbreaking of the special facility for CICL based on the standards set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the local government announced on Thursday. The provincial government allotted PHP32.48 million to build the facility.

It will serve CICL above15 years old but less than 18 and awaiting court disposition; more than 12 up to 15 years old who committed serious crimes with commitment order issued by the court and those who are repeat offenders, and 12 to below 18 years old who are neglected, abandoned, and abused.

The center, located in Galutan in Catarman town, the capital of Northern Samar province, is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy in 2024.

“Through this initiative, we can tend the youth more properly, even educate them while inside the facility since this will be a childcare institution,” he said.

The three-story facility will include a medical isolation, reflection room, toilet for persons with disability, clinic and consultation room, educational facilities such as a library and study area, training room, counseling room, wardroom, living quarters, a penthouse on the 3rd floor, and roof deck.

It has been reported that the province has an increasing number of CICL and children at risk, with 227 CICL cases from 2018 to 2022.

The top three offenses committed include reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property, injury and death; theft and rape. (PNA)