City eyes farm training for mendicants

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City government is exploring a new social welfare initiative that would relocate mendicants to an upland shelter where they could undergo farming and livelihood training.

Mayor Nestor Archival said the city has already partnered with non-government organizations (NGOs) to provide temporary shelter and food assistance to street dwellers, but authorities continue to see an increase in the number of mendicants in the city.

“Daghan na kaayo ang atong na da na sa atong mga NGO shelter house aning mga tawo nga naa sa mga kilid sa kadalanan but I noticed nag anam sila kadaghan padong diri sa ato,” Archival told reporters during a press conference.

The mayor said the city is considering establishing a larger shelter facility in the mountain barangays where beneficiaries could receive food, accommodation, and livelihood opportunities through farming.

“We need to do something about it, siguro magbutang tag mas dako nga shelter area sa kabukiran aron sila mahimong mag-uma siguro ug makatabang sa City government,” he added.

At present, the city government, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, continues to provide food and temporary shelter to street dwellers housed at the South Road Properties facility.

Archival also confirmed that amendments to the city’s anti-mendicancy ordinance are being considered to clarify its implementation and distinguish between mendicants, buskers, and organized begging syndicates.

“Most likely,” the mayor said when asked if the ordinance would be revised.

The proposed amendments come as Cebu City prepares to designate busking areas in public plazas and parks following the arrest earlier this month of 68-year-old harmonica player Ireneo Selma Vidal.

The City Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the ordinance, while Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. has vowed to push for amendments that would clearly differentiate busking from mendicancy. — (FREEMAN)