The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said that there is not truth to the apprehensions of some leftist groups that it will hide the homeless families during the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) next month.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that, in partnership with local government units, the DSWD continues to reach out to homeless families as part of efforts to protect them from harm and abuse which are rampant on the streets.

“It is their right to be protected and to be given services. This is why we continue to provide them with health, shelter, and educational assistance,” Sec. Soliman said.

The Secretary emphasized that this November, the nation will celebrate National Children’s Day with the theme “ Pamahalaan at Komunidad, Magka-Isa ! Pang-aabuso sa mga Bata, Wakasan Na!”, which is timely to generate awareness on child protection.

She announced that one activity to mark the event is the conduct of a “Talakayang Pambarangay” to be led by the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) and parent-leaders of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The forum will serve as a venue to create awareness among parents on positive discipline of children and to teach them the different approaches to protect their children from various forms of abuse.

“Keeping children off the streets is one way to protect them from abuse and from becoming potential prey of syndicates. Homeless families especially street children are vulnerable and they become doubly vulnerable if they remain on the streets,” Sec. Soliman said.

Sec. Soliman cited that the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Homeless Families (MCCT-HSF) continues to be implemented to help street dwellers have dignified and safer homes.

The MCCT-HSF is an expansion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which provides a complete package of assistance to street families, including responsive shelter program, access to social services, and economic opportunities for the improvement of their living conditions.  It also extends house rental assistance of up to P4,000 per month for six months to one year.

To date, MCCT-HSF has 4,071 registered beneficiaries in NCR.

Sec. Soliman reiterated her assurance that homeless families will not be hid during the APEC but will participate in various nation-building activities for the National Children’s Month.  ###