For many, books offer education, entertainment, or an escape. Just like turning the pages of a book, individuals navigate life’s chapters to find contentment in their chosen paths.
For Ryan Gayagay, a Baguio native once marked by youthful setbacks, the books at the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet, sparked a passion for personal growth.
He is now a secondary English teacher at Mil-an National High School in Loakan, Baguio City.
Gayagay was 13 years old when he entered the care facility after running away from home due to a scolding and living on the streets. He recalled the institution’s care during a time of uncertainty.
“One night, 33 years ago, I was brought here by the police, together with 10 or so other street children. For one year, from 1992- 1993, I rode the corridors of the former building, and my voice was one of the many that echoed off the walls of this institution,” he said.
“Unang araw, medyo malungkot, pero later on, I came to love the place, I came to love the people who work here. Napakaayos ng pagtanggap sa amin, sobrang ang babait ng mga social workers at saka mga houseparents dito (The first day was a bit sad, but later on, I came to love the place, I came to love the people who work here. We were received very well, the social workers and houseparents here were very kind),” Gayagay said.
At the 35th anniversary of the RSCC on May 15, 2025, Gayagay recounted how the center’s reading materials influenced his career choice.
“Because of my experiences here sa center, I became more tolerant to other people. Meron kaming mga arts and crafts lessons, meron kaming mga martial arts lessons noon. There was a library where I spend so much time reading, and there were encyclopedia and other books and I believe that it’s there that I developed my love for reading which also affected my choice of career,” he shared.
Gayagay emphasized the vital role of care facilities like the RSCC.
“Napakahalaga ng pagkakaroon ng ganitong centers, ang ganitong institution. Kung walang ganitong institution, saan mapupunta ang mga bata na inaabandona, mga batang napipilitang lumayo sa kanilang pamilya dahil malupit ang kanilang mga magulang? Saan mapupunta ang mga batang napapariwara? So, because of this institution ay nagkakaroon ng bagong buhay, nagkakaroon ng pag-asa, nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na ang isang bata ay mamuhay ng normal, maayos at mapayapa kasama ng mga ibang bata at mga tumatayong magulang para sa kanila (It is very important to have centers like this, an institution like this. If there were no such institution, where would abandoned children go, children forced to leave their families because their parents are cruel? Where would wayward children go? So, because of this institution, they get a new life, they gain hope, they have the opportunity for a child to live a normal, orderly, and peaceful life with other children and those who act as parents for them),” he said.
Teacher Gayagay stands as a powerful example of how collaboration between agencies and stakeholders can transform the lives of those once affected by difficult circumstances.
The RSCC is among the centers and residential care facilities managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This institution provides protection and rehabilitation services through temporary residential care to neglected, abandoned, abused, and exploited children.
The center also caters to children with special needs, including those at risk and those requiring alternative family care. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR)
