“Kung dai kuta nawara si Papa dai mapapariwara ang buhay ko.” (If only we did not lose Papa, my life would not have been a mess.” ) These were the bitter words uttered by Joseph (not his real name), Joseph who was then 16 years old when admitted at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY), Sorsogon City.

It was last December 11, 2011, when he was admitted at the center for the diversion program. He was charge of robbery under criminal case no. FC-11-0861. But prior to this, Joseph has already committed several offense like theft, alarm/scandal but no charges was filed against him.

Joseph “Galog” to his friends emotionally shared the hard life which the family went through. He is the second child among the five siblings of Carmelita and Jojo . They were previously residing in Manila since his father was working in Camp Crame as an intelligent agent while his mother is engaged in selling business. He and his kin’s started their elementary education in Manila.

“We had a happy and contented life”, Joseph shared. But a sudden twist in the family changed. He was then 8 years old when his father was lost. The suspicion was he was a salvaged victim who was caused with the kind of work his father had. His mother then became the sole bread earner in the family. The life for the family became very hard until one day, Joseph’s mother met an OFW boyfriend and finally became his live-in partner. To Joseph’s mind it would again be a better life for the family but to his dismay. He was then at the age of 11 when the family decided to go back to Bicol and permanently stayed in Daraga. To earn a living, the minor’s mother rendered laundry services to the neighbors but the money earned is not at all enough for the family. The family started to suffer from starvation thus, Joseph has to stop schooling and help his mother earn a living. (He was then in grade III).

According to Joseph collecting empty bottles, junk material and collecting trash and selling them in junk shop was his means to earn money. It was good enough for him if he is able to get at least P100 a day. “At least I could go home bringing with me at least two kilos of rice or “tuyo” for our viand,” Joseph sighed. But with his frequent stay in the street he was able to meet friends. He was into vices like gambling, smoking, drinking liquor and learned to use prohibited drugs. It was at this instance where Joseph started to be involved in unlawful activities like “akyat bahay” and robbery where he was charged and went into jail then was admitted at the RRCY.

Joseph shared that upon his admission at the center, he realized that what he had done is already far from reaching his dream to finish his studies. He stayed in the center for one year and five months. While at the center, he exhibited positive behavior. He was able to carry the task assigned and tried to live up to the expectations of his houseparent’s. According to the center staff, Joseph became very respectful as compared when he was newly admitted. During free time, Joseph would just sit in a corner reading books and is not ashamed to ask questions for things which are not clear to him. He was only grade III when admitted at the center. He was enrolled at the Alternative Learning System. Because of perseverance and motivated by his ambition to finish his studies, Joseph regularly attends literacy classes. His patience and endurance paid off. In October 13, 2013, he again took the A&E where he again passed and what is noteworthy is that he got the highest rating vying all other examinees in the Province of Sorsogon.

Because of the good record and positive changes exhibited by Joseph, he was discharged from the center. With the help of one of the center staff, he was assisted to take the college entrance examination at Divine Word College, Legazpi City which he passed. He was enrolled and a freshman student taking up Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. He was given a scholarship grant and also a working student. Joseph expressed that he had difficulty at first to adjust in his new environment but with the support and encouragement of people behind him he is able to adapt to the new environment.

Joseph is presently staying in a foster home. When asked about his family, he said that he received information that their family transferred to another place in Albay but as to where he does not know.” Hahanapin ko sila kung ako ay may maganda ng hanap buhay. Gusto ko silang maiahon sa kahirapan.” Joseph exclaimed.

When asked why he took up education, Joseph simply answered, “ I want to help poor children and be a role model to them.” ### /eejerusalem