DSWD: P4.75-M spent for homeless families' 'camping' during papal visit

The government shelled out P4.75 million to bring some 100 homeless families living along Roxas Boulevard to a resort in Nasugbu, Batangas during the visit of Pope Francis in the country last week. 

 

During the hearing of the Senate committee on social justice, welfare, and rural development, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon 'Dinky' Soliman said the amount covered the transportation, accommodation, and all the needs of the 427 street dwellers from Manila, Parañaque, and Pasay.

 

"Para sa mga camping, ang buong amount ay galing sa Social Technology Bureau for this," she said Tuesday.

 

The families were brought to Chateau Royale in Nasugbu, Batangas from January 14 to 19, 2015 for an orientation on the government's Modified Conditional Cash Transfer program.

 

Soliman had earlier admitted that the family camp was part of an effort to clear Roxas Boulevard, which was part of the route of several papal motorcades, during Pope Francis' visit.
 

She added that the family camp allowed homeless families to experience having a house.

 

"Para maipakita namin sa kanila ang buhay sa labas ng kalsada. Sa ganung hakbang ay mabuo ang kanilang panaginip na hindi nila kailangan na nasa sa kalsada sila habambuhay," she said.

 

Mixed reactions

 

While some of the participants were happy with the trip, others were dismayed.

 

Helen Adolfo, one of the participants, said social workers gave them their needs on a piecemeal basis.

 

"Sabi nila wag na kaming magdala ng gamit dahil kumpleto naman daw doon. Nung nanghihingi ako ng diaper ng anak ko, isa lang ang ibinigay, tapos sa dede dadalhin mo yung bote sa kanila para sila ang magtimpla. Sabi ko bakit hindi na lang magbigay ng karton ng gatas para ako ang magtimpla, e paano kung gabi na mambubulabog pa kami para lang sa dede," she said.

 

Another participant said the clothes were only given to them on the third day of the camp and those were not even complete.

 

"Siyempre natuwa kami na nagswimming kami pero yung damit ikatlong araw na binigay. Yung iba walang panloob, walang pantalon na ibinigay," the woman told the committee.

 

Senator Nancy Binay, who initiated the hearing, found contradictions on the actions of the DSWD.  

 

"Nakakatuwa din na kahit papaano, naka-experience ng ganun yung ating mga kababayan at talaga namang nag-enjoy sila sa stay na iyon. Pero para sa akin, ang dating, pinatikim mo sila ng sandaling langit tapos binalik mo rin sa impiyerno.  Parang ganun yung sa tingin ko na nangyari doon sa mga dinala sa family camping," she told reporters after the hearing.

 

The DSWD has conducted at least six similar projects for street children and their families since 2011, shelling out some P37.4 million. The biggest amount, P26 million, was used in November 2012 where 703 MCCT families-beneficiaries from 14 local governments were brought to Island Cove for the annual camping. — JST, GMA News