THE Cebu City Government, together with the Women and Children Protection Desk (WACPD) and Family Juvenile and Gender Sensitivity Sections (FJGSS) of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), will request for a P5-million fund from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 that will be used in addressing the problems involving street children.
WACPD and FJGSS Chief Arieza yesterday submitted for approval her proposed action and contingency plan, which also carried the request, for children at risk (CAR) and children in conflict with the law (CICL) in the city.
“(The) DSWD VII promised to shoulder the basic needs of the children for rescued children, such as clothing, food and profiling,” said Otida.
Otida said she plans to tap the non-government organizations (NGOs) to accommodate the rescued children.
This, as the City Government and CCPO scheduled another rescue operation next week.
Under the proposed action and contingency plan, the Task Force on Street Children will accommodate a maximum of 35 CARs, while the Philippine Teen Challenge will take in at least 10 CICLs.
Otida cited the Local Justice Welfare Council that stated the finances are available from the government, and all that is needed is for the City Council to initiate the request.
Otida said the money will be useful, especially with the City’s problem of Community Scouts on reported failure to provide interventions to the kids.
Acting Mayor Margarita Osmeña, however, pointed out that the P5 million should not be used for Community Scouts as it is the City Government’s responsibility.
“Instead of fixing one center, which is (really) the responsibility of the City, perhaps we can use it in expanding the programs or whatever is needed,” she said.
Because the City Council sessions are suspended at present, Osmeña said she will sign Otida’s proposal and will be the one to write the letter of requisition as an acting mayor.