ILOILO City – Confronting the persistent problem of children living and working on city streets, the city government has strengthened its response by reconstituting its Task Force on Street Children through Executive Order No. 030, signed by Mayor Raisa Treñas.
“Children are the most important resource of our city, and no child should be growing up on the streets,” Treñas said. “This task force is a way for us to work together to ensure that every child is given a chance to grow up safely, with dignity, and access to the support they need.”
The newly restructured task force establishes a comprehensive, multi-agency framework that includes the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), law enforcement, education and health agencies, nongovernment organizations, barangay councils, and faith-based institutions.
It is tasked with identifying at-risk minors, intervening in cases of exploitation and abuse, and facilitating access to education, healthcare, legal services, and livelihood programs for both children and their families.
“Iloilo City should be a place where no child is invisible,” Treñas added. “We are committed to making sure that children are seen, heard, and supported, not just with sympathy, but with real solutions.”
To ensure a focused and coordinated approach, EO 030 outlines the creation of five specialized subcommittees:
* Legal Affairs Committee – to provide legal assistance in cases involving street children;
* Program Development Committee – to design and monitor rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives;
* Media and Public Information Committee – to drive public awareness and advocacy;
* Volunteer Mobilization Committee – to organize civic participation and community support;
* Monitoring and Research Committee – to track cases and assess the impact of interventions.
The task force is mandated to adopt a community-based and participatory approach involving youth councils (Sangguniang Kabataan), schools, barangays, churches, and private stakeholders. It is also directed to coordinate closely with the Department of Education, the Philippine National Police, and other line agencies.
Funding for the task force’s operations will be sourced from the Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), subject to the availability of funds and auditing guidelines.
Past initiatives addressing the issue of street children in Iloilo City have been hindered by sporadic implementation and a lack of long-term monitoring. EO 030 seeks to correct these gaps with institutionalized mechanisms and regular case tracking.
The executive order takes effect immediately and will remain valid unless amended or revoked./PN
