MANILA, Philippines – Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday said he has filed a bill seeking for the establishment of crisis centers that will cater to the needs and ensure the well-being of street children nationwide.
Dela Rosa said that his Senate Bill No. 232 recognizes the need to provide care and proper nutrition to the children who were abandoned by their parents.
“Let us build a protective environment for street children, let us protect their well-being,” he said.
“The children, as stated in the Declaration of the Rights of Child, practically need special safeguards, as well as legal protection before and after birth. This is because of their physical and mental immaturity,” he added.
The senator cited recent reports from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on the increasing number of street children in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao and other urban areas in the country.
“The vulnerable kids who roam around our streets should be sheltered from circumstances that danger their survival and normal development,” Dela Rosa said.
The lawmaker proposes to provide an emergency medical and feeding program, temporary shelter, basic educational, legal and counseling services for street children.
The bill also seeks immediate rehabilitation for street children identified as substance abusers, empowerment through livelihood, technical and social training, and support system from the local government units.
It also aims to secure foster homes or employment best suited to the child’s individual capacity, among others.
Dela Rosa said the implementation of a comprehensive program will be supervised by the DSWD along with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
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