DSWD denies plans to hide homeless families for APEC

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) on Saturday denied claims of some leftist groups that the agency plan to hide homeless families during the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) slated next month.

DSWD Chief Corazon “Dinky” Juliano-Soliman said that the agency continues to reach out to homeless families as part of their drive to protect them from harm and abuse through Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Homeless Families (MCCT-HSF) even without the APEC.

She said the program should not be misunderstood as a means of hiding street children or face of poverty as accused by some lawmakers criticizing DSWD.

“With or without APEC, we do MCCT,” Soliman said.

“Keeping children off the streets is one way to protect them from abuse and from becoming potential prey of syndicates. Homeless families especially street children are vulnerable and they become doubly vulnerable if they remain on the streets,” she added.

Soliman said they implement MCCT-HSF, which has 4,071 registered beneficiaries in National Capital Region, to help street dwellers have dignified and safer homes since 2013 in partnership with local government units, civil society organizations and other government agencies.

The MCCT-HSF is an expansion of  Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, providing complete package of assistance to street families, including responsive shelter program, access to social services, and economic opportunities for the improvement of their living conditions. It also extends house rental assistance of up to P4,000 per month for six months to one year.

“It is their right to be protected and to be given services. This is why we continue to provide them with health, shelter, and educational assistance,” Soliman said.

Meanwhile, Soliman said the nation will celebrate National Children’s Day with the theme “Pamahalaan at Komunidad, Magka-Isa! Pang-aabuso sa mga Bata, Wakasan Na!” this November.

Soliman cited that they will conduct “Talakayang Pambarangay” to be led by the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children and parent-leaders of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to mark the event.

The forum seeks to create awareness among parents on positive discipline of children and inform them of various ways to protect their children from abuse.

Soliman assured that homeless families will not be hidden for the APEC. Instead, they will participate in various nation-building activities in celebration of the National Children’s Month.