Hidden from the Pope?: Netizens, DSWD speak up on #streetkids

MANILA, Philippines – Netizens questioned the circumstances surrounding the “disappearance” of street kids and their families in Manila during the 5-day papal visit.

MovePH, the civic engagement arm of Rappler, hosted a Twitter and Viber conversation on Wednesday, January 21, about the street families brought to a Batangas resort by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The trip was part of the orientation and registration for DSWD’s Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) program, according to Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman. The MCCT program provides cash grants – for education and health, and house rental assistance – to families with “special needs,” including the homeless.

Netizens, however, questioned the trip, asking whether the activity was deliberately done to “hide” the street families from Pope Francis. 

@MovePH #StreetKids #PopeFrancisPH cosmetic remedies for all our social ills

— Rene Manansala (@rizalcalma) January 21, 2015

@MovePH @rapplerdotcom The whole episode is a disgrace, damning evidence, a country ignoring its own poverty. The Pope would be very sad…

— Peter Edwards (@bodybones1) January 21, 2015

@MovePH parang bahay lang, saka lang mag aayos pag may bisita.

— Debbie Manalili (@debbiemariz) January 21, 2015

The money used for the trip came from DSWD-NCR’s funds under its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Soliman said.  

@MovePH imagine how much the gov could have done with all the money they spent in the pope’s visit?also 2fight the #streetkids situation

— Noelia Martinez (@peli_1982) January 21, 2015 

@moveph couldn’t it have been scheduled after the papal visit so these #streetfamilies can see @Pontifex too? @dswdserves

— Pinoymommy (@pinoymommy) January 21, 2015

@MovePH It’s kind of fishy to send #streetkids away to a resort when the purpose of the Pope’s visit is to see them.

— tiff go (@tiffanyjillian) January 21, 2015

@moveph I believe these #streetfamilies need to feel the presence of @Pontifex. This is the merciful & compassionate act to do. @dswdserves

— Pinoymommy (@pinoymommy) January 21, 2015

@MovePH @dswdserves @dinkysunflower Ano basehan ng pagpili ng mga haharap kay Pope Francis at sa mga pupunta sa resort? #streetkids

— Voltaire Tupaz (@VoltaireTupaz) January 21, 2015

@dswdserves @dinkysunflower The Pope can’t cure our social ills but it was a rare inspiring opportunity for #streetkids to hope and dream.

— Voltaire Tupaz (@VoltaireTupaz) January 21, 2015

.@dswdserves @dinkysunflower Like this kid who wanted to be pope after seeing Pope Francis http://t.co/fxU1LKUcFR #streetkids

— Voltaire Tupaz (@VoltaireTupaz) January 21, 2015

On Viber, social media producer Margie de Leon quipped, “It’s not exactly the best time to go to the beach, climate-wise. It’s cold!”

DSWD answers

DSWD joined the Twitter conversation, clarifying that the families were selected by local government units (LGUs) as new beneficiaries for the MCCT program.

Soliman has also clarified the issue, saying that aside from attending the MCCT program orientation, the families were also taken out of the streets for their own safety.

Through its Twitter account, the agency reiterated Soliman’s explanation:

@MovePH LGUs reached out to the #StreetKids to bring them to safer place

— DSWD (@dswdserves) January 21, 2015

@MovePH This is a regular reach out activity of DSWD & LGU to keep children free from dangers on the streets.

— DSWD (@dswdserves) January 21, 2015

@MovePH @margie_deleon The #streetkids & their families were brought there not just to have fun but for psychosocial devt activities

— DSWD (@dswdserves) January 21, 2015 

On Viber, Rappler reporter Bea Cupin, who covered security preparations for the papal visit said: “Remember that security preparations were not only for the principal – the Pope – but also for the crowd that greeted and followed him around. 

Long-term solutions

According to the DSWD, the families left Batangas on January 19, and were “turned over to local government units for case assessments. ” Some were brought back to their rented homes, while others proceeded to DSWD facilities like Reception and Action Centers and the Jose Fabella Center for temporary shelter. 

However, netizens pointed out the need for long-term solutions for street families, suggesting actions the government should take:

@MovePH @DSWDserves Manila streets looked great during #PopeinPH days I wish they always looked that way Any long-term plans?

— Joel Abelinde (@apojoe) January 21, 2015

@MovePH I’m more interested if what’s the overall strategy/program of @dswdserves to address needs of rising #streetkids & #streetfamilies

— Kessica Bersamin (@kessicabersamin) January 21, 2015

@apojoe @MovePH @savestreetkids we provide psychosocial interventions to rescued streetkids & families

— DSWD (@dswdserves) January 21, 2015

 

@MovePH @dswdserves If LGU can do it for a Papal visit, wonder why they can’t do the same consistently? #streetkids

— Nash Tysmans (@nashtysmans) January 21, 2015

@nashtysmans @MovePH Reach out to #StreetKids is a reg. activity of DSWD & LGUs. It was not done just because of the papal visit

— DSWD (@dswdserves) January 21, 2015 

@MovePH Inuulit po namin ang panawagan ni @dinkysunflower na huwag magbigay sa mga #StreetKids Pwedeng mag tweet sa @savestreetkids 2 rescue

— DSWD (@dswdserves) January 21, 2015

@dswdserves @rapplerdotcom @MovePH @margie_deleon It’s more fun if those kids were in school and their parents enrolled at tesda.

— jude martin (@judemartin19) January 21, 2015

@MovePH Improved programs and services for #StreetKids . I will always put in mind the anti-mendicancy law. Although not all of them beg.

— Timothy Orogo (@timorogs) January 21, 2015

@MovePH Address root problems. Educate parents+kids. Provide sustainable jobs and subsidized housing. Prioritize education.

— fritzie d. rodriguez (@fritzdrodriguez) January 21, 2015

@MovePH Lessen the tax, so people have more buying power…

— artee caparas (@RTCaparas) January 21, 2015

Encourage citizens to donate time to teach them livelihood skills. Sana may job placement program din ang @dswdserves. @MovePH #streetkids

— philippinebeat (@philippinebeat) January 21, 2015

What are your thoughts on how the government is handling the issue? How can you help street kids and their families? You can share your comments and suggestions with us at move.ph@rappler.com. – Rappler.com