THE city governments of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu should know how to deal with the street children when the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit opens in Cebu next month.
“There is no such plan as taguon sila, seminaron ba ron (hide them or have them attend a seminar), it’s up to the LGUs (Local Government Units),” Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said.
The national government drew criticisms after reports surfaced on the alleged efforts of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to hide the street children during the Philippine visit of Pope Francis early this year.
In Cebu City, policemen assigned at Fuente Osmeña earlier said they will continue to round up street children under the Libod Suroy program with the presence of the city social workers.
Last month, Librando Macaraya, executive director of the Cebu City Parks and Playground Commission (CCPPC) voiced alarm over the petty crimes committed by street children at Cebu City parks particularly at Plaza Independencia.
In Mandaue City, Roger Paller, Mandaue City Hall public information officer, said they have not yet discussed any intervention programs in dealing with the street children and vagrants for the duration of the APEC meetings.
He said they have set up a system in dealing with them through coordination with the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS), the barangays, the Church and the police.
Their programs include encouraging children to attend classes, sports activities and spiritual formation programs among others.
The city government is also building a children center in Basak, Mandaue City called Hope of Mandaue this year.