The Philippine Online Chronicles

The Department of Social Welfare and Development is renewing its campaign against street children caroling along Metro Manila’s busy streets.

DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman said street caroling exposes children to accidents. Soliman, however, added that they will allow caroling in other areas such as shopping malls.

The agency had already tapped the Manila Police District to roundup street children and turn them over to the DSWD. Parents will also be liable to letting or even forcing their children to go caroling to earn money.

Almost a week ago, Cebu City Councilor Augustus Pe Jr. proposed to amend their local City Ordinance to ban caroling any time of the day, instead of just prohibiting it from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. unlawful.

“Carolers at present are visible any time of the day, from all ages, all walks of life, and even ply on every street corner, especially children. Reports of the increasing number of children or teenagers are noted crisscrossing streets, intersections, and even running on board public utility vehicles just to beg for alms from the commuters after singing Christmas song. In order to avoid accidents and prevent the immense pain it will bring to the children and their families, there is a need to regulate caroling,” he said.

Groups who plan to go on caroling, should said ordinance be amended, will have to apply for a permit at the Office of the Mayor. Those who will violate the ordinance will be forced to render community service, aside from paying a P500 fine or being detained for five days.

Last year, the DSWD asked actor Dingdong Dantes to lead the program “Paskong Ligtas sa Batang Kalye: Kapwa Natin Palayain sa Panlilimos Ngayong Pasko” by acting as a modern-day Santa Claus.

Instead of street caroling the DSWD implemented activities for street children such as arts and crafts, sports activities and workshops.