The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) appealed Thursday, Nov. 18, to the local government units (LGUs) to include in its guidelines that caroling should be prohibited along roads and main thoroughfares.
The DSWD made the appeal after the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced more than a week ago that traditional Christmas caroling is allowed in areas under Alert Level 2 provided that minimum public health standards are followed.
“The DSWD would also like to appeal to LGUs to include in their guidelines that caroling should be strictly conducted in safe areas within their barangays or communities and not along roads and main thoroughfares,” it said in a statement.
It reminded the public to continue adhering to health and safety protocols in agreement with the DILG’s recent pronouncement
“The DSWD also emphasized that children while engaged in caroling should be supervised by their parents or guardians to ensure that they follow the minimum health and safety protocols or guidelines set by the authorities in accordance with the alert level status of their locality.”
The Social Welfare department said gift-giving activities or medical missions at activity centers may be organized by the public “to ensure a safe Christmas experience for the children.”
This will be in coordination with LGUs and other appropriate authorities to ensure compliance to minimum safety protocols, it said.
“The public may also donate to DSWD centers and other organizations that help street kids or may conduct charity drives,” it added.