By: Atty. Gregorio B. Austral, CPA
Protection Programs for Children, Families, Indigenous Peoples
and Other Individuals in Street Situations
The Philippines faces a significant challenge with a large homeless population, estimated at 4.5 million in 2024, ranking ninth globally. A significant portion of this population comprises children in street situations, estimated at 369,000 in 2019, a number projected to rise due to economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and global inflation. To address this issue, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued guidelines to strengthen protection programs for children, families, Indigenous Peoples, and other individuals in street situations under DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 21, s. 2024.
These guidelines aim to provide a holistic and sustainable approach to protecting vulnerable individuals in street situations, focusing on prevention and response measures. They advocate for a community-based and integrated approach involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, and the communities themselves.
The ultimate goal is to reduce the risks and vulnerabilities faced by individuals in street situations by providing them with a package of services, interventions, and opportunities that enable them to live productively in a safe environment.
The guidelines emphasize a child-centered model, recognizing that children in street situations are the most vulnerable and require special protection. Interventions focus on ensuring children’s safety, access to their rights, and development, while also supporting families in providing adequate care and meeting their children’s needs. This includes interventions such as legal assistance, psycho-social support, reintegration programs, health and nutrition services, play sessions, literacy and tutorial services, and educational assistance.
Recognizing the unique needs of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in street situations, the guidelines advocate for a culture-based approach that respects their values and traditions. This includes providing culturally sensitive medical services, culture-based early childhood care and development sessions, empowering learning sessions for IP initiatives, and facilitating civil registration and identification card issuance. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of advocacy and cultural awareness campaigns to educate the public on the plight of individuals in street situations and to garner support for their well-being.
The DSWD’s guidelines aim to create a robust and collaborative framework to address the complex issue of individuals living in street situations. By focusing on prevention, protection, and empowerment, these guidelines strive to ensure the well-being and safety of vulnerable individuals and promote their successful reintegration into society. The success of these guidelines relies heavily on the active participation and collaboration of various stakeholders at all levels, including government agencies, local communities, and the individuals themselves. (Source: Guidelines on the Strengthening of Protection Programs for Children, Families, Indigenous Peoples and Other Individuals in Street Situations, DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 21, s. 2024, [June 5, 2024])