Cebu City, Police Seek PHP5-M Budget from DSWD-7 to Street Children Program

The Cebu City Government and the city police are seeking a PHP5-million fund from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 to be used in addressing the problems involving street children.

The police agencies involved are the Women and Children Protection Desk (WACPD) and Family Juvenile and Gender Sensitivity Sections (FJGSS) of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).

WACPD and FJGSS Chief Arieza Otida submitted for approval her proposed action and contingency plan, which also carried the request, for children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL) in the city.

“The DSWD VII promised to shoulder the basic needs of the children for rescued children, such as clothing, food and profiling,” said Otida.

Otida said she plans to tap the non-government organizations (NGOs) to accommodate the rescued children.

The city government and CCPO also scheduled another rescue operation for street children next week.

Under the proposed action and contingency plan, the Task Force on Street Children will accommodate a maximum of 35 CARs, while the Philippine Teen Challenge will take in at least 10 CICLs.

Otida cited the Local Justice Welfare Council that stated the finances are available from the government, and all that is needed is for the City Council to initiate the request.

Otida said the money will be useful, especially with the city’s problem of Community Scouts on reported failure to provide interventions to the kids. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS