City launches busking program

CEBU, Philippines —Cebu City’s Busking Program finally gained formal backing after the controversial arrest of a 68-year-old harmonica player in May 2026, which sparked public outrage and prompted the city government to distinguish busking from mendicancy.

The Cebu City Government formally launched the Busking Program at the Senior Citizens’ Park, with Mayor Nestor Archival stressing the city’s support for local talent.

Aside from the said park, the program is also expected to designate areas like Plaza Sugbu, Fuente Osmeña Circle, Freedom Park, Plaza Independencia, and Senior Citizens’ Park as venues for performers.

“It’s time for the buskers of the City of Cebu nga makapasundayag sa ilang nga talents dinhi sa syudad,” Archival said.

“Hinaot pa unta that we will continue this so that atong mapakta sa atong syudad ang atong makapakita ang mga talented na musicians sa atong syudad sa Sugbo,” he added.

The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), led by Acting City Director Police Colonel Ricky C. Sumalde, pledged its full support for the program.

“It is an honor and privilege to join you today as we launch the Cebu City Busking Program—an initiative that promotes creativity, provides opportunities for our local artists, and enriches the cultural life of our city,” said Sumalde.

“The Cebu City Police Office fully supports this initiative, and we remain committed to ensuring that this will be implemented safe and secure,” he added.

The program was realized after Ireneo Vidal, a 68-year-old harmonica player, was detained by the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office (CCAMO) for allegedly violating City Ordinance No. 1631 and Presidential Decree No. 1563, which prohibit begging in public places.

Vidal insisted that he was not begging but busking to earn money for his hungry grandson.

His arrest went viral online and drew sharp criticism over the alleged manhandling of the elderly man.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) later extended cash aid and pledged long-term interventions for Vidal and his grandchild.

Aside from Vidal, a previous incident involving the alleged arrest of a busker in the city paved the way for the Cebu City Council to harmonize the Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance (No. 1631) with the Buskers Ordinance (No. 2776), acknowledging enforcement gaps and stressing that performers should be supported, not punished.

Last July, CCAMO announced that the program’s original launch had to be postponed due to inclement weather brought about by a typhoon. (CEBU NEWS)