Forty-one residents of the National Training School for Boys (NTSB) recently participated in the two-day Leadership Journey conducted by The Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation at the institution’s compound in Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal.

The activity, which was implemented under the theme “The call to leadership is a call to love,” aimed to engage the resident-participants in productive religious sessions and strengthen their spiritual relationship with God.

According to Ms. Ellen Belmonte, the officer-in-charge of the institution, the conduct of religious sessions and the strengthening of the spiritual side of the residents are vital activities or components in the rehabilitation of the said boys as these provide them an outlook in life that is better than what they had when they were brought to the center. It also helps them ease or cope with any negative tension that may be caused by their current situation. The easing of tensions serves as a measure in determining the readiness for their eventual reintegration to their respective community.

Among the activities conducted during the two-day leadership journey are photo language activity, film showing, group sharing sessions and sharing of testimonials. A former child-in-conflict with the law shared his triumph against all odds in his life.

Aside from the Aquino Foundation, other organizations who provided support to the activity are the Philippine ASA and the Ang Hortaleza Foundation.

The NTSB is a Department of Social Welfare and Development-managed residential facility which provides care and rehabilitation services to male minors who are in conflict with the law. Aside from spiritual services, other services being provided by the center are health, educational, homelife and recreational services.

As of September 30, 2017, there 274 residents being served by the institution, most of these are from the CALABARZON Region. With reports from RCRanas and ECBelmonte***