BACOLOD City – This city’s Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) has asked the City Council to pass an ordinance for parental responsibility.
DSSD head Alma Gustilo said they are set to forward the draft of the proposed ordinance to the City Council.
“We are lobbying for parental responsibility ordinance. We want parents to be penalized,” said Gustilo, adding that there are parents who allowed or even pushed their minor children to ask for alms.
The DSSD’s Anti-mendicancy Task Force has been conducting a 24/7 operation against mendicants here and it was observed that several minors were riding public utility jeepneys to ask for alms.
Other minors were seen doing the same in other public places like the plaza and streets.
The DSSD also noted that during MassKara Festival every October, more Badjaos, including their minor children, are seen roaming and begging on the city streets./PN
