MANILA, Nov. 23 (PNA) -- In an effort to keep children off the streets, Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said that together with partner local government units (LGUs) and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), her department is maintaining 58 activity centers located in strategic areas in Metro Manila.
“These activity centers provide a venue for an alternative means to offer street children some activities away from the dangers of the streets,” Taguiwalo said Wednesday.
She noted that involving these children in activities such as reading and educational playing, while giving them access to food and other resources will entice them to consider abandoning begging on the streets that only exposes them to danger.
The activity centers, she said, engage the children in fun and meaningful activities, such as lantern-making, that cater to their interest and inspire them to be better individuals.
The activity centers are located in 17 LGUs in the National Capital Region (NCR).
These activity centers are either managed by the LGUs or NGOs, in partnership with the social welfare department's NCR field office.
The centers are open year-round but activities peak during the Christmas season for the conduct of Christmas parties, caroling sessions, and gift-giving, among others to ensure that children no longer ask for cash from commuters.
“The DSWD is currently assessing the functionality of the activity centers Metro Manila-wide. We believe that the use of the activity centers is a good strategy in responding to the issue of street children. We intend to provide more support through the centers, enhance the features and the activities being conducted, so we can better respond to the evolving needs of the children,” Taguiwalo added.
The activity centers were identified as a solution after meetings and consultations that concluded that children take to the streets to beg for money for food, especially during the Christmas season.
“We appeal to all concerned sectors to collaborate with the LGUs and the DSWD in consolidating responses for the street children/street families through the activity centers. Alms-giving and gift-giving on the streets must not be encouraged as these pose dangers to the lives of the children. As part of our true and 'may malasakit na serbisyo' (compassionate service), let us work together to find the best response to the needs of the children,” the social welfare chief said.
She added that groups and individuals who are interested in conducting social activities for street children could coordinate with her department on how they could help.
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