Parian Drop-in Center hopes for better programs for kids

CEBU, Philippines - As the Parian Drop-in Center celebrates its 25th year last Monday, its program coordinator is urging parents to be more responsible in rearing their children to keep them away from getting pregnant at a young age.

“Ang Parian Drop-in Center ning-exist para mutabang sa mga bata pero mas nindot kung wala na unta’y mga bata nga kinahanglan ibutang sa Parian Drop-in Center,” said Redentor Betito of the Children of Cebu Foundation, Inc., the organization running the center.

He said a number of the children they have taken into their care were victims of teenage pregnancy.

He urged local officials to strengthen child protection programs.

“Ang ilaha untang mga programa, dapat tinud-anay nga makapausab og kinaiya ug kinabuhi sa bata. Mandated sa balaud nga ang tanang barangay adunay barangay council for the protection of children. Sadly, ang uban dili lig-on ang ilahang mga programa, pagtan-aw ug paghimo og plano,” Betito said.

Betito himself was once a street child.

At present, the Parian Drop-in Center houses 22 street children from three years old up to 16 years old. Some of these children were reportedly abandoned and are victims of violence.

Betito explained a child can stay at the center for up to two years during which a “treatment plan” will be put in place, the objective of which is to bring the child back to his or her family.

“Inig sud sa bata diri sa center, maghimo mig treatment plan para niya. Usa sa main priority namo ang mabalik siya sa iyang biological family. Lahi ra kung ang bata magtubo sulod sa iyang panimalay, sa normal setting,” Betito said.

Fourteen-year-old CJ is among the children adopted by the center. He was rescued by the Cebu City Task Force from the street last month. 

“Hinglayas ko kay permi man ko bunalan sa akong mama ug papa,” he said.

 The children in the center are exposed to socio-cultural activities such as their trip to the Intosan Resort in Danao City last Monday for the center’s anniversary celebration.

Betito gave credit to Councilor Margarita Osmeña for helping the center survive. Several foundations have also helped the center financially.

“Si Ma’am Margot among life and soul sa organization. Siya gud ang nangita og mga donations,” Betito said. (FREEMAN)