With Christmas just a month away, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is considering the issuance of a policy prescribing minimum standards and guidelines for the traditional Christmas caroling, including adult chaperons for young carolers.
In a draft memorandum circular published in its website last week, the DILG said the guidelines will ensure the safety of children in enjoying the spirit of Christmas and in celebrating the holiday season.
It said that with the reopening of the country to the New Normal, the observance of Yuletide traditions is expected to rise, including caroling which may, on the other hand pose dangers and accidents to children, for which the government has yet to craft a law regulating the same.
Under the proposed guidelines, the local government units shall continue to enforce minimum public health standards within their jurisdictions, particularly to children aged 11 years old and below, and ensure that those who will participate in the caroling were vaccinated.
LGUs shall coordinate with the local police to ensure the safety of carolers, with traffic management teams, Barangay Public Safety Officers and tanods to be deployed to conduct roving activities.
The police, on the other hand, shall assist the LGUs in ensuring the safety and security of those who will join the traditional caroling.
“Safe-keeping of stray dogs/harmful animals, road clearing and removal of illegally parked vehicles that may cause accidents and/or unwanted incidents is highly recommended,” the proposed circular stated.
It added that barangays shall organize activities for children to ensure their safety, with the public urged to organize gift-giving activities or medical missions in safe areas and not along roads and main thoroughfares.
Children while engaged in caroling should be supervised by their parents or guardians, the DILG proposed.
To avoid disturbance within the community, it added, the caroling shall preferably be conducted past dinner time but before bedtime, or not later than 9:00PM for children and 10:00PM for adults.