‘Rescuing’ street kids part of ASEAN Summit preps, says MMDA spox

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is "rescuing" street children as part of its preparations for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit to be held in the country in November.

In an interview on News To Go on Friday, MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said the agency, in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has been rescuing youths in the street in preparation for the summit.

She claimed, though, that they have been doing it even before they started gearing up for the event.

"Kahit po nung wala pang ASEAN Summit talaga hong nagre-rescue na tayo ng mga kabataan diyan sa lansangan," Pialago said.

"Pero, ma'am, with all fairness, yes po, kasama po yun sa preparation po ng ASEAN natin, in cooperation and participation and with help po ng DSWD," she added.

The rescued children are taken in by the DSWD for returning to their parents, for placing in adoption homes, or for residency in DSWD shelters, said Pialago.

In 2015, the DSWD was criticized for allegedly "hiding" homeless families in a resort in Batangas one day before Pope Francis arrived in the country for a papal visit.

Later that year, the DSWD was again hit for the same reason, this time in anticipation of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Then-DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman denied the allegation, claiming the DSWD has been helping street dwellers well before the international events in question.

Southeast Asian leaders, as well as US President Donald Trump, have confirmed attendance to the ASEAN Summit, which will be held on November 10-14 in Clark, Pampanga, and in Metro Manila after the 14th.

Classes in all levels in Metro Manila have been suspended in anticipation of the event.

The MMDA has recommended for the suspension of classes during the entire week of the ASEAN Summit, but this move is pending approval, Pialago said.  —Nicole-Ann Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News