BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – Minors in this city can only join holiday season caroling activities if accompanied by an adult, according to the new guidelines from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
This condition was bared by Assistant CSWDO Officer Merlyn Gison as preparations ramp up for the holiday season and Dinagyang Festival 2025.
“This measure ensures the safety of minors and prevents accidents or other incidents during caroling,” Gison said.
Unaccompanied minors are prohibited from participating in formal or informal caroling activities to avoid potential dangers.
Mary Grace Centino, head of CSWDO’s Child and Youth Welfare and Technical Division, emphasized the risks children face while caroling. These include animal attacks and road accidents.
“Even with authorization letters from churches or formal organizations, risks remain. For instance, children could be chased by dogs or encounter other mishaps,” Centino explained.
The CSWDO encourages groups organizing caroling events involving minors to coordinate with the agency to implement safety protocols and secure proper authorization.
It aims to preserve the festive tradition of caroling while prioritizing child welfare, stressed Centino./PN
