Former street children to perform for Pope Francis

MANILA, Philippines – After taking up a defensive position over a news report alleging street child abuse in youth centers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is going on a charm offensive.

Some 440 children from different youth centers and institutions will serenade Pope Francis before he boards the plane that will take him back to the Vatican on Monday, January 19.

In a statement released Saturday, January 17, the DSWD said the children, many of whom are street children, abandoned orphans or have mental disabilities, have been practicing since December 2014 to perfect their performance.

The children come from the Reception and Study Center for Children the Elsie Gaches Village, Nayon ng Kabataan, Marillac Hills, National Vocational Rehabilitation Center and the Haven for Children.

“Pope Francis reminds us that we should take care of these unfortunate and disadvantaged children.  This is what we continue to do in our centers and institutions,” said DSWD secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman.

Among the singers in the group are Mark John Samson and Lorenzo Dizon, both beneficiaries of the modified conditional cash transfer (MCCT) program.

“Masaya ako dahil isa po ako sa napiling kakanta kay Pope Francis sa pag-alis nya sa Lunes,” enthused Mark John Samson, 11, and a third grader at the Maceda Elementary School, Sta. Mesa, Manila.

(I am happy because I was one of those chosen to sing for Pope Francis when he leaves on Monday.)

“Kung makakaharap ko po si Pope Francis, ang una ko pong hihilingin sa kanya ay ipagdasal na makatapos ako ng pag-aaral,” the boy added.

(If I’m given a chance to talk to Pope Francis, I will request him to pray that I may finish my studies)

Mark John is the eldest of six siblings and a beneficiary of MCCT since 2013.

Church of the poor?

The DSWD estimates that 218,000 families are covered by the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT), which is designed to maximize the reach of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to help families and children in difficult circumstances overcome their situation.

Earlier in the week, a report in the UK tabloid Daily Mail accused the Philippine government of rounding up street children and detaining them under inhumane conditions alongside convicted adult criminals.

Secretary Soliman and the government quickly dismissed the report. They also conducted an investigation into the purported violators but found no evidence of abuse or mistreatment of minors.

“Ang kalsada ay hindi ligtas sa bata. Pagtulungan nating makapunta sila sa ligtas na lugar,” secretary Soliman told the Department’s partners and local government units.

(The streets are not safe places for kids. That’s why we are continuing to fight a permant relocation side.) – Rappler.com