STREET children begging on Davao City's streets should not be tolerated, a city official said Monday, November 5.
This was the reminder of the city government of Davao to the public with the expected increase of children who will beg or do caroling along the streets as the Christmas season nears.
“Always gyud na ginapahibalo na bawal mamalimos, mamasko diha sa tunga sa dalan, especially for our children (We always remind the public that it is prohibited, especially for children to beg or do caroling on the streets),” Maria Luisa Bermudo, City Social Service and Development Office (CSSDO) head, told reporters Monday.
She also said that there is a law that gives protection to the youth and it's been an advocacy of CSSDO to inform the public against the practice.
Bermudo said in the past years, public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers and even the passengers would throw coins on the streets where the children beg and these have caused road accidents.
The Solicitation Permit Law (ACT 4075) states that any person, corporation, organization, or association desiring to solicit or receive contributions should get a permit from Department of Social Services and Development as provided in the Integrated Reorganization Plan.
Bermudo said they should state the purpose or the project of the caroling which should be in line with the social welfare or charitable projects.
“Pag-i-encourage man gud nato kay somehow, gina-tolerate na pud nato sila more na mangayo o magkanta diha tunga sa traffic (If we encourage them by giving them money, we also tolerate them to beg or sing in the middle of the streets),” she said.
The quick response has been to monitor the street children.