LUCENA CITY, Quezon — The Local Government Unit of Lucena City, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, has launched the “Bantay Gala” program, a citywide initiative aimed at enhancing safety and social protection on the streets.

According to the CSWDO, the program seeks to address multiple community concerns: enforcing laws related to public solicitation, assisting individuals and families in need, safeguarding minors from street hazards, and rescuing youth involved in substance use — particularly those using “rugby” (inhalants) — with the goal of providing guidance and rehabilitation.

The program is coordinated with several local agencies, including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, City Health Office, Women and Children Protection Desk, and barangay councils to ensure a multi-sectoral approach.

While the initiative demonstrates a proactive stance on public safety, it also raises broader social questions. Many children and youth on the streets are driven by poverty, lack of education, or broken family support systems. Enforcement alone may not address underlying causes; rehabilitation, educational opportunities, and family support are equally critical to prevent recidivism and improve long-term outcomes.

The “Bantay Gala” program represents a promising start, but its success will depend on consistent follow-through and addressing both immediate risks and structural social issues. When youth safety programs focus on street enforcement, can they truly protect and rehabilitate — or are deeper social interventions the real solution? (Larawan mula sa: Public Information Office - City of Lucena / Facebook)