Legarda: Keep Children Out of the Streets

In a bid to keep minors out of the streets, Senator Loren Legarda pushed for the immediate passage of a proposed measure that seeks to establish crisis centers for street children all over the country.

Citing statistics from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Legarda said that there are about 250,000 street children in 65 cities around the country. She expressed alarm over the fact that these children are exposed to risks to their health, well-being and lives.

"It is lamentable that while we have several laws that protect the rights and welfare of Filipino children in general, we have yet to pass a measure that would address the needs of street children and take them off the streets where their lives and future are in danger," the Senator pointed out.

Under Senate Bill 1438, Legarda proposes the creation of crisis centers in every city or municipality. These centers will have a comprehensive program that will provide various services, such as temporary shelter, emergency medical and feeding programs, and basic education for street children.

"There is definitely no clear and decent future for these young citizens if they will remain in the streets. We must seek ways to provide them with the means to uplift their conditions and take them out of the streets through programs that will equip them with livelihood, technical and social skills," she explained.

"The future of our nation lies in the hands of our youth; therefore, we must give each and every single child the chance to live a decent life and to be able to achieve his full potential as a person and as a citizen of this nation," Legarda concluded.