The Philippines plans to register homeless families on a biometric database with the aim of reducing the issue through improved welfare provision. As part of the project "Oplan Balik Bahay-Sagip Buhay", the Department of Social Welfare and Development will identify up to 2,000 so-called families at risk on the stree
The Philippines plans to register homeless families on a biometric database with the aim of reducing the issue through improved welfare provision.
As part of the project "Oplan Balik Bahay-Sagip Buhay", the Department of Social Welfare and Development will identify up to 2,000 so-called families at risk on the streets (FRS).
Starting in October and running for five months, the project aims to start by identifying families in the capital, Manila.
"There will be an intensified regular reach out or mapping operation and identification of target areas at local level down to barangays [districts]. Identified FRS will then undergo a biometric registration," said Jacel Paguio, Assistant Regional Director of the department, reported the Philippine Information Agency.
Registered FRS will then be given access to shelter, livelihood, educational and health assistance, with house rental, housing improvement or employment among the options.
“We would like to remove our FRS from the streets and put them in a safety place where they can make decisions of their own and exercise their rights to improve their families,” Paguio added.
Last February, the welfare department announced that a biometric payment system was being used to ensure cash grants are correctly distributed to beneficiaries in its Pantawid Pamilya program.