Street children facility to rise in Bogo

CEBU, Philippines - The problem of homeless children in the streets hounding the urban cities like Cebu will continue to grow if not attended to.

This is according to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, founder of the Cor Jesu College in Digos, Davao city who is expanding their project in Cebu by constructing a P150 million worth facility for street children in the whole province.

The planned facility will be constructed in Bogo City, north of Cebu said Teodorico “Jojo” Dofiles II of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, which missions include the education of the youth.

During the 888 news forum yesterday at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Dofiles said that the problem of street children in Cebu is not at its worse yet but may likely be if it would not be addressed immediately.

“Dako ug possibility especially kay Cebu is a growing city so magka-grow pud ang socio-issues,” Dofiles said.

Under the Brothers of the Sacred Heart is iconhope foundation inc. which is specifically geared to help street children in the country.

Dofiles explained that based on their studies in Cebu, they would not say that the problem of street children is really bad considering that there are different categories to consider like children who are on the streets because of drugs, those that ran away from their homes after being maltreated by parents and the like.

“Dili pa in-ana ka worse but amo lagi, if dili ma address mo-multiply gyud siya,” said Dofiles adding that in fairness to the city and provincial government of Cebu, there have been numerous efforts already in addressing the problem but said that this is a concern that cannot be done by the government alone. He added that there are private organizations and agencies as well that have their own programs but has limited resources.

Dofiles said that the increase of street children also increases the possibility of increase in crimes which makes it important to rehabilitate these children while it is still possible.

With the facility planned in Bogo, Dofiles said they can help the children give importance to education, religion as well focusing on activities that would divert their attention from drugs and illegal activities.

Dofiles said that setting up the facility would be really expensive but they have initially saved money because of the lot donation made by the Oporto Family in Barangay Banban. The property is 1.8-hectare.

Dofiles said that they are also expecting to get more assistance through the Dinner for a Cause this March 16, Saturday at Quest Hotel where they will be formally launching the iconhome project. Ground breaking for the project will follow the day after. —/FPL (FREEMAN)