The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) and 27 new task forces of Manila inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Oplan Balik Bahay, Sagip Buhay (OBBSB) project –a pilot initiative of DSWD which aims to address the prevalence of street dwellers in the major thoroughfares in NCR, particularly in Manila and Quezon City, held at Manila City Hall.

This event which was participated by the National Government Agencies (NGAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), barangay officials, and other key partner stakeholders aims to acknowledge the task forces that are formed to help implement the OBBSB project.

According to DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan, the task forces play a vital role in the implementation of the project. Further, she said that it is a “community driven initiative to address the plight of project beneficiaries, where every individual will adapt the “concept of bridging leadership” which will be the steering approach to generate resource and mobilize the community.”

As stipulated in the guidelines, there are two (2) kinds of task forces namely; Regional Task Force and Local Task Force, will help in the implementation of the OBBSB project.

The Regional Task Force is tasked to synchronize programs and services of Government and Non-Government Organization in Metro Manila consist of NGAs, NGOs, academe and CSWDOs.

Meanwhile, the task force at the Local/community level could be initiated by any willing group or organization within identified geographical areas needing priority intervention to address presence of children, unattached adults and families at risk on the streets. The Task Force must be organized by the LGU through the CSWDOs and barangay officials with the support and augmentation of national agencies such as the DSWD, MMDA, PNP, DepED, and DILG.

The task force shall be in support to the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) in addressing the plight of children, unattached adults and families at risk on the street. Hence, concerned barangays are required to actively lead the implementation of task force strategic and operational plans. ###

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