In time, the streets of Dagupan City will be rid of wandering and vagrant children.

And at the rate the Children at Risk Protective Care Task Force, formed by Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. last year, is proceeding, which will soon be a reality. To date, it has already rescued 118 children since January this year from uncertain life in the streets.

Last month, nine children were rescued in separate operations in the city.

Margarita Navata, executive assistant and head of the rescue composite team, said the nine children were found begging, sniffing solvents or engaged in petty crimes like theft.

Fernandez directed the task force to conduct a high intensity campaign with no- letup in keeping vagrant children away from the city’s streets by providing food and clothing, medical check-up, personal hygiene, and counseling be fore they are returned to the parents.

Navata said most street children are left to fend for themselves, playing under the rain, begging for food or money, or playing video games with money earned from begging.

The rescue composite team regularly coordinates with barangay officials in Pantal, Barangay I and Mayombo where most of the children are seen loitering, to assist in monitoring, counseling and notifying parents of the apprehended children.

In July 2007, he declared that his “no child will be left behind” policy will be a factor in all key development initiatives of his administration.

Dagupan City has been named “Most Child Friendly City” in 1999 for its unrelenting effort in looking after the welfare of the city’s children.

The task force, serving as the city‘s functional arm to protect the welfare of children at risk, is mandated to sustain the drive through regular monitoring of major and secondary streets and other public places frequented by vagrant children..—LM

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