The Department of Social Welfare and Development in the National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) will gather tomorrow, January 3 some 1,500 street children from 17 local government units in Metro Manila for its post-Christmas event for street children, dubbed as ‘Pagsalubong ng Batang Pinoy sa 2014.’ This would be held at the Makati Coliseum, Makati City.
DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan said this annual event is one of the alternative activities that DSWD implements under its Comprehensive Program for street children, street families and indigenous peoples, especially Sama-Bajau.
‘We wanted the street children to experience a day filled with fun, games, entertainment and gift-giving so we opted to hold this post-Christmas event for them because Christmas is for children,’ said Bonoan.
Bonoan added that DSWD postponed this event slated in December due to its 24/7 ‘Operation Salubong’ for survivors of typhoon Yolanda in Villamor Air Base. Nevertheless, DSWD provided noche Buena packs to 4,000 families of street children on December 23 for the families to enjoy the Christmas season.
“These activities formed part I of the annual ‘Pasko ng Batang Pinoy’ which included a Christmas party, song and dance competition, belen and parol making contests and fun games, held in LGU identified activity centers,” Bonoan explained.
The ‘Pagsalubong ng Batang Pinoy sa 2014’ will form part II of the ‘Pasko ng Batang Pinoy’ activity and will be highlighted with the showcase of talents of street children in the singing and dancing competition, puppet and magic shows, mini concert and chorale performances, and cultural presentation, among others.
Winners in the belen and parol making contests will also be awarded during this event and will receive cash prizes.
Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. will be the guest during the event.
The Comprehensive Program for street children, street families and indigenous peoples, especially Sama-Bajau of DSWD provides complete package of social protection services for immediate relief of the condition of street children, street families and IPs.
It provides balik-probinsya assistance to families and individual adults, educational and food assistance to in-school street children and Bajau, livelihood assistance and cash for work, among others.
It also offers incentives to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) to acknowledge their efforts to lessen the incidence of street dwellers and street children in their area of jurisdiction and for maximizing barangay support to address concerns on street children and dwellers. ###