CAGAYAN de Oro 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez has pushed the establishment of crisis centers for street children all over the country.

He filed House Bill 2766 or the proposed Street Children Crisis Center Act, which seeks to defend the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition.

The measure aims to provide children special protection against all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their development.

The measure mandates the Department of Social Welfare and Development, with the help of local government units, to establish a crisis center for street children in every city or municipality in the National Capital Region and in every highly urbanized city in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

The crisis center shall serve as temporary shelter and rehabilitation center of the street children.

The centers shall also have a comprehensive program that will provide various kinds of assistance.

The bill allows the city or municipal officials to call private volunteers who will assist in the care of street children by providing consultative services for their medical, educational and other needs.

House Bill 2766 also authorizes the acceptance of donations and grants from local and international organizations by the implementing agency to supplement the appropriated funds for the establishment, maintenance and operation of the crisis centers.