DSWD-7 expects more street dwellers

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 is bracing for the expected influx of street dwellers in Metro Cebu, especially in the cities of Cebu, Talisay, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, now that Christmas and Sinulog celebrations are just around the corner.

DSWD-7 officials have started meeting with representatives from the Women and Children's Protection Desk of Philippine National Police, Local Government Units and other concerned agencies, to draw up plans on how to deal with the street dwellers.

DSWD-7 information officer Leah Quintana said they met with the concerned agencies because they do not want street dwellers to become an eyesore for visitors. She admitted that the proliferation of street dwellers in the Metro has been their main concern, especially those Bajaos begging for money in the streets.

Quintana, however, said that programs have implemented by DSWD-7 for the Badjaos.

"Ang mga Badjao's nato karon dinhi sa Cebu ang uban nang-eskwela, gani ang uban nahuman na ug naa karon nagtrabaho sa DSWD," Quintana said.

Grace Yana, Children's Sector Social Welfare Officer IV, it was discussed during the meeting yesterday what interventions needed from the LGUs to address the problem.

The LGUs were asked to conduct profiling of the street dwellers and to present the results and their action plan in their next meeting. It was initially found out that some of the street dwellers came from Mindanao and other provinces in the Visayas.

Among the interventions discussed during the meeting was the possibility of providing livelihood and education assistance to these people.

DSWD hopes that the LGUs will have a place for shelter of street children and families so they won't have to loiter in the streets.

"For those nga dili taga Cebu City, unya wala gyuy balay, naa sa street kina-hanglan gyud og shelter dapat ang mga LGUs naa pud untay ready nga place nga mahimoan og temporary shelter for those family nga wala gyuy mga balay o kaulian," Yana said. (FREEMAN)