In its ongoing efforts to lessen the number of children, families and unattached adults at risk in the streets, particularly in Manila and Quezon City, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) will launch 35 new task forces.

According to DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan, the task forces play a vital role in the implementation of the Oplan Balika Bahay Sagip Buhay (OBBSB) 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.”

A total of 14 task forces in Manila will be launched on July 22, 2015, while 21 task forces will be launched in Quezon City on July 24, 2015. The launching will include a ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Terms of Reference (TOR) by the representatives of the task forces.

As stipulated in the guidelines, there are two (2) kinds of task forces that will help in the implementation of the OBBSB. These are the Regional Task Force and Local Task Force. Consists of national government agencies such as DSWD-NCR as the lead convener, with representatives for other national government agencies, selected Non-Government Organizations, Academe and the 17 CSWDOs in Metro Manila, the Regional Task Force is tasked to synchronize programs and services of Government and Non-Government Organization in Metro Manila.

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. ###