Kids seen caroling on streets despite ban

Despite the ban on street caroling due to the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), two groups of children on Thursday were seen in Quezon City singing Christmas tunes to passing cars hoping to get treats or coins.

According to JP Soriano’s report on “24 Oras,” the kids were caroling along Congressional Avenue corner Visayas Avenue before they ran away after seeing the cameras.

There was no police or traffic enforcer in the area at that time.

Authorities have banned caroling as studies showed that individuals release respiratory droplets when singing.

“Sinabi na nga ng IATF na yung caroling talaga pong pinagbabawal natin,” Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the chief implementer of the national action plan against the illness, said.

GMA News has informed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the children who were seen caroling.

Meanwhile, the DSWD said that the number of street children, some of which are indigenous peoples, increase during the Christmas season to ask for alms from passing cars.

The agency advised the public against giving alms as this may encourage the children to continue despite the dangers on the streets and the pandemic.

“Ina-advise po natin ang publiko to provide responsible tides of assistance such as ‘yung pag-conduct or pagsasagawa ng organized peace-giving. Meron din tayong mga organized feeding sessions, story telling, or medical missions doon sa mga activity centers natin,” DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said.

“Para mailayo ang mga street dwellers, ‘yung mga children, ‘yung mga IP groups, away from the activities that may actually pose danger or greater risk to their lives,” she added.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News