The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) discourages the public from giving alms to street children and enjoins them to help in its campaign to prevent the children from street begging and carolling.

DSWD-NCR Regional Director, Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan said that more children and indigenous people go out of the streets, especially during Christmas season to beg and carol in the busy streets of Metro Manila because they believe that people are more generous during this season.
“We are discouraging the public from giving alms to these children and IPs because tolerating their acts will make them more vulnerable to road accidents and various forms of abuses and exploitations,” said DSWD-NCR Regional Director, Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan.

 

Bonoan also appealed to LGUs to strengthen its Barangay Council for Protection of Children to ensure that the rights of children are promoted and that child welfare laws are implemented.

She further reminded the parents to be responsible in safeguarding their children and provide them their much needed support.

She also encouraged the public to help report sightings of street children in Metro Manila through DSWD twitter account @savestreetkids (https://twitter.com/savestreetkids).  To tweet, simply key in savestreetkids/complete name of street/intersection/city/nearest landmarks and time of sightings.

“The DSWD closely coordinates with the local government units in addressing the concerns on street children.  Reported cases through twitter shall be responded by our reach-out team, in coordination with the concerned LGU or barangay.  The reached-out children will be brought to Reception and Action Center (RAC) or Social Development Center (SDC) of LGUs or to DSWD run institutions for provision of appropriate services and interventions,” Bonoan added.###