“This law (Republic Act (RA) 9344, as amended) gave me an opportunity to do better in life and have a second chance to live my dreams and goals that before I thought I never had,” said Ben Ric Castillon, 23 years old.
The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (JJWA) or RA 9344, as amended, aims to protect and promote the rights of children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL). It keeps the best interest of children in mind and recognizes their rights to participation, development, survival, and protection, regardless of who they are and where they come from.
Ben, a former child in conflict with the law (CICL) became aware of the law through advocacies and testimonies from different sectors.
Before he knew about this law, he used to be involved in cases like robbery and snatching to support his family financially. Back then, her mother had no permanent job and oftentimes they have no money to buy food. Thus, he thought of other ways to survive.
Thankfully, his stay for a year at Don Bosco Magone became a way for him to reflect and change his perspective in life.
“I have learned from Don Bosco Magone to become resilient and flexible regardless of the situation that I am facing by reminding myself that I am capable of doing something good not just for myself and my family but also for my community,” he said.
One of his dreams is to help himself to become better so that he can lead (other) CICL by example and change the perspective of every people who viewed CICL negatively.
At present, Ben is a Sales Officer at a Marketing Firm.
