CSWDO steps up drive vs Badjao begging ahead of Peñafrancia fiesta

By Paulo DS. Papa

THE City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has intensified its efforts to address the presence of Badjao people begging in Naga City ahead of this year’s Peñafrancia festivities.

The CSWDO has already conducted several rescue operations involving Badjao individuals who were reportedly begging in various parts of the city, particularly while carrying or bringing along their children.

In previous years, city authorities received reports of Badjao families asking for money from devotees and visitors during the Peñafrancia fiesta. Authorities considered the practice of bringing children while begging as a form of child exploitation.

Evangeline Manalo, assistant city social welfare and development officer, said the CSWDO, in coordination with the Public Safety Office and police personnel, has conducted a series of operations targeting Badjao individuals who came to Naga from their settlements in Pasacao and Pili, Camarines Sur.

“Last July and August, we, together with the Public Safety Office and police personnel, rescued about 30 Badjao people,” Manalo said.

She said the group has also changed its approach, with some individuals now targeting business establishments and others dispersing in different areas of the city instead of moving around in groups.

Manalo appealed to the public to refrain from giving alms to people begging on the streets, saying this could help discourage the practice and encourage them to pursue other means of livelihood.

She noted that some Badjao members have already pursued education and employment, demonstrating that they can find alternatives to begging and improve their way of life.Other possible headlines: