During Sinulog: DSWD opens temporary home for lost children

CEBU, Philippines - Parents or guardians who would accidentally lose their children in this year's Sinulog event can check with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas-7 if their children are with the agency.

DSWD-7 has committed to provide temporary shelter for children who might get separated from their parents or guardians in today's procession and tomorrow's grand parade.

Artemia Degamo, the focal person for disaster response of DSWD-7, told The FREEMAN yesterday that this is the second time the agency is offering such service. They have done the same during the city's hosting of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress last year.

Degamo said the DSWD-7 agreed that this weekend they will be preparing a room for children who will be waiting for their parents to claim them.

They will use the department's Crisis Intervention Unit, which is equipped with complete amenities, including toys and a television set. This room can accommodate at most 10 children.

She said a houseparent will also available in the room to watch over the children and facilitate the giving of meals, and providing of recreational activities, among others.

In cases where there are lost children, Degamo said authorities may refer them to DSWD-7 if they could not find their parents within the day.  The department has already identified staging areas with social workers to receive such cases.

She said rescued children will only be released if the person claiming the child can provide the necessary documents, such as birth certificates, proving that he or she indeed is the parent.

She, however, advised parents and guardians who wish to bring with them their children for the Sinulog, to let the kids wear identification cards or name tags with contact numbers.

Based on the department's experience, lost children do not normally stay in the center for more than a day since parents would immediately claim them.

However, if no one will come to claim a child, Degamo said the agency will refer the child to another residential facility for a long-term placement. (FREEMAN)