DSWD ensures children’s safety at QC orphanage
Amid CDO vs Gentle Hands Inc.
DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has assured the public that the social welfare department’s Cease-and-Desist Order (CDO) against Gentle Hands Inc. (GHI) is to “the best interest of the children” sheltered at the Quezon City-based orphanage.
In a press conference at the DSWD Central Office, Gatchalian said “several deficiencies and violations” by GHI were noted during a spot inspection of the orphanage conducted by the DSWD chief along with other officials and social workers late afternoon of Saturday.
“These are the things that I find as imminent dangers to the child’s well-being. One, [is] overcrowding. The facility is only created for 80 individuals, but there are around 149. Two, hygiene… Pangatlo, the ventilation is an issue kasi overcrowded nga. Four, more importantly… the fire safety issue… Five and interestingly, they are operating two small classrooms… Also, not that they know of, they are doing the modules by themselves without DepEd’s (Department of Education) sanctions,” Gatchalian pointed out.
In an earlier statement, the DSWD reported that it issued a CDO against GHI following a complaint that the private orphanage has committed a violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination” and has allegedly “failed to comply” with the minimum standards for residential facilities for children.
Gatchalian directed DSWD social workers to stay inside and outside the premises of the GHI while dialogues were being conducted.
The DSWD and representatives from GHI met earlier, where DSWD officials maintained that the orphanage must rectify the violations and comply with other requirements before the CDO is lifted.
Officials of GHI agreed to cooperate with DSWD in the debriefing of the children before they are transferred by social workers to other shelter facilities which are safe and comfortable for orphans, who are all minors.
“We will pull them out today or as long as the child is ready to go… [We will transfer them] sa mga care facilities namin… Importante sa amin na ma-pull out namin sila lahat pero naaayon sa pagkakaunawa ng ating mga kliyente,” Gatchalian said.
The social welfare department also ensured that it is currently re-auditing its centers and residential care facilities, as well as the Social Welfare and Development Agencies (SWDAs) to guarantee the safety, security, and well-being of its clientele.
This is in line with the regulatory functions of the DSWD focused on ensuring that SWDAs are compliant with standards set by the department.
