Making the child smile

Noemi C. Fetalvero
Two empty bottles

ADVOCATES for the welfare of children in the streets ask: “Have we been neglectful of our street children?”

For a city that reveres a Holy Child, we might consider that question seriously.

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According to a 1998 report, there are about 1.5 million street children in the Philippines.

Arts and science student, Cameron Sugden, who volunteers with the Organization of Bahay Tuluyan in Manila, submitted a report about the extent of the problem posed by the presence of children in our city streets.

These uncombed, undernourished, soot-faced children sniff inhalants and give us a smile as they handle the harsh realities in life as if it is nobody’s problem but theirs.

Since they are in the streets 24/7, the report said, they are vulnerable to sickness, physical injuries from vehicular accidents, street fights, harassment from extortionists and police, sexual exploitation by pedophiles and pimps.

A number of individuals have showed concern for the welfare of these problematic children. Among these individuals were former Mayor Ronald Duterte whose foundation trained street children and out-of-school youth to be useful citizens, learning crafts and other income generating projects.

Non-government organizations, like Loving Care Street Kids, and Street Contact for Children, offer free meals and legal assistance.

Young Generations Choir in Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Punta Princesa started an outreach program in 1970s.

The group visits the pediatric ward of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and distributes bundles of joy to the little patients on a yearly basis.

Then there were years when they gathered some street children and treated them to a local fast food chain.

The children enjoyed the free meals, toys, and multi-vitamins.

The group’s program is funded by former members who are now abroad and doing well financially. The Sinulog Foundation is all about the celebration of the Feast of Señor Sto. Nino.

We could put a smile on the face of the Child Jesus if we exert the same effort towards revelry for the total eradication of the problem of street children.