Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo appealed to the public to inform the Local Government Units (LGUs) or the DSWD on the presence of street children and street families, especially in major thoroughfares.

In the National Capital Region , the DSWD-Field Office here has provided the hotline number, 734-8623, which the public may call to report sightings of street children/street families.

Aside from the hotline, DSWD also has a twitter account, @savestreetkids, where social media users can report presence of street kids. Twitter users can tweet the exact location where they saw the streetkids.

“The increasing presence of children and families on the streets is a persistent problem. It is the primary concern of the Local Government Units (LGUs), but the DSWD partners with them to address this urgent concern,” the Secretary said.

Once the presence of street children/families is reported, DSWD immediately coordinates with the respective LGU for the appropriate action.

Since this societal issue is more prevalent during Christmas season, the DSWD is currently assessing past programs to come up with a better and more appropriate response in collaboration with LGUs and civil society organizations (CSOs).

For the holiday season, the Secretary urged the public to refrain from giving alms to children boarding public utility vehicles or tapping vehicle windows. Instead, generous individuals may hold barangay Christmas parties or caroling sessions for street kids.

“It is important to act immediately for the welfare and safety of the children. Every child on the street is vulnerable to life threatening risks. We cannot let them think that asking for alms or caroling on the streets is normal. I ask the LGUs, the private sector, and the public to work hand in hand to help keep those children off the streets,” Sec. Taguiwalo reiterated.