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The toys, colorful playground equipment and safety mats near Fuente Osmeña were a welcome sight.
The makeshift kiddie center was put for parents attending Friday’s Interfaith Rally so politically conscious dads and moms could leave their kids in a safe place for a while. About 10 children were watched over by government social workers.
With this initiative, the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas announced it would offer the drop off service again in future rallies. The Children’s Corner was set up a few meters from the Fuente police station.
“We can’t prevent anyone from exercising their freedom of expression, but we can look after the children,” said DSWD-7 information officer Jaybee Binghay-Carillo.
The corner was run by 15 people, including five social workers. Children were given snacks, toys, playsets and books.
“It would be convenient for the parents to drop them off here,” according to Carillo, who said DSWD was trying to keep the children from harm, especially from being used as human shields if trouble errupts.
DSWD-7 Regionl Director Teodulo Romo ordered the setting up of the booth and coordinated with the organizers of Friday’s interfaith rally. The children will be given name tags while parents will get a claim number.
“The shelter will be open until the rally ends,” Carillo said.“If the activity turns out okay, if we are able to gain the trust of the parents, maybe we can set up a temporary shelter in places where rallies will be held,” she said. Editorial assistant Ma. Bernadette A. Parco
