DSWD pushes for metro-wide ban on street caroling

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is pushing for the ban on street caroling in Metro Manila to discourage the act of begging especially among children, a report on GMA News TV's News to Go said Thursday.

 

The report said the DSWD is hoping to avoid instances where children run loose in the streets, knocking on cars and entering public vehicles, as these pose a threat to the children's safety.

 

"Hindi ang kalye ang lugar ng mga bata," said DSWD Director Alicia Bonoan. "Hindi natin alam... anything may happen to them. Ayaw natin yung mangyari na ikamatay pa nila 'yung kanilang pag-carol sa kalye."

 

The DSWD had requested for the help of the local government units, who the report said support the ban.

 

In Quezon City, children found caroling in the streets are immediately rescued.

 

"The streets [are] for pedestrians, traffic, not as a dwelling," Quezon City administrator Aldrin Cuña said.

 

This policy is strictly implemented because those who violate the order is fined, the report said.

 

The ban is likewise supported in Manila, it added.

 

"They can't do that in the middle of the street, sa bahay lang," said Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

 

Meanwhile, the DSWD and the local government units are appealing to the public not to give money to the street carolers to discourage them from it.

 

"If walang magbibigay, titigil sila dahil wala naman pala silang mapapala," Bonoan said. "If the children see na walang nagbibigay sa kalye, then they will refrain from going to the street." —Jessica Bartolome/KBK, GMA News