DSWD eyeing new program to help street kids

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is currently working on a new program that aims to effectively address the issue of children and families living on the streets.

In a statement, DSWD Secretary Virginia Orogo said details of the program, dubbed 'Silugan sa Barangay,' are yet to be crafted as they are still in talks with other government agencies.

"Kami po ay kasalukuyang nakikipag-ugnayan sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) at sa iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno para sa isang programa na mas magiging epektibo sa pag-responde para sa mga pangangailangan ng mga bata at pamilya na nasa lansangan," she said.

According to Orogo, the concept of the program includes the allocation or establishment of spaces in the barangay for rescued street children.

A case study will then be conducted for each child to determine and assess appropriate interventions.

"Tapos immediately ipo-process at magkakaroon ng case study sa bawat bata para mailagay sa centers kung talagang walang magulang," Orogo said. "At kung may mga kamag-anak naman, ibabalik sila sa kanilang mga kamag-anak."

Based from the results of their study, there are many reasons why there are children on the streets.

"Iba-iba po ang nagiging resulta ng aming pag-aaral sa problema:  puwedeng ang magulang ng mga bata ay hindi ayos ang relasyon; puwede pong dahil sa kabuhayan at kahirapan iyong bata mismo ang naghahanap-buhay para sa kanyang mga magulang, dahil may sakit, o kaya iyong kapatid niya may sakit," Orogo said.

She is positive that the proposed program will help the agency respond to the problem of street children, who face several risks while they are on the streets.

Orogo also urged the public to help them in addressing the concern.

"Kakailanganin natin ng maraming resources para sa programang ito kaya kailangan natin ng tulong, hindi lamang ng iba’t-ibang ahensya ng gobyerno; mananawagan na rin po ako sa ating mga kababayan, lalo pa iyong mga na nasa pribadong sekto na tumulong at makiisa sa DSWD sa adhikain na ito," she said. —Maia Tria/KBK, GMA News