Reintegrated Child-Survivor Succeeds in College
October 6, 2021 · By Francis Bermido Jr.
Reintegrated Child-Survivor Succeeds in College
JM was sexually abused by her biological father. For several years, her father eluded arrest until 2017. As soon as he was arrested, Preda requested for a speedy trial, which was granted by the Court. All witnesses testified and the abuser was found guilty on September 7, 2018 of rape as defined under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code. He was given alife sentence without possibility of parole.
While in PREDA, JM successfully passed the Accreditation and Equivalency Test for secondary level. That qualified her to enrol in college.
JM was successfully reintegrated to her biological mother in General Trias, Cavite after one year and 11 months of psychological therapy at the PREDA Home for Girls. Upon reintegration, JM continued her schooling with support from the Preda Foundation. Every month, Preda sends financial assistance to her through her Prepaid ATM card.
She recently completed third year college at Trece Martires City College, Cavite taking up Bachelor of Science in Criminology and hopes to be a police officer some day. She is a member of the Karate team of the college- a skill which she acquired while at Preda.
The Preda aftercare social worker is not able to personally visit JM since the pandemic struck in 2020. However, JM regularly attends online sessions organized and conducted by the Preda social workers. These ensure that Preda is able to provide assistance whenever necessary and that she remains in school.
