I ENJOY that daily brisk walking from the jeepney stop to the office. The crisp morning coldness against my face as I race with other commuters along Session Road is a definite way to prep for the day's activities. But once I get to the part where I turn another block, I suddenly get disheartened by the sight of "Nina" (first name that came to mind when I saw her). She stays sprawled and crying at this intersection going to General Luna Road.
I used to see her at the overpass at Magsaysay Road, dressed in her usual garb of tattered black jacket and slacks, barefoot, as she wails with that heart-wrenching cry while extending her cupped hands to passersby.
How many "Ninas" are there in the City of Baguio? The influx of tourists to the City has also resulted to the increased entry of vagrants and mendicants. There are the musicians who drone their soulful songs, the pitiable ones who simply reach up with their plastic cups, the kind who wanders around and tugs at the clothes of everyone who happens to pass by, and even children who innocently ask for "barya".
I used to see her at the overpass at Magsaysay Road, dressed in her usual garb of tattered black jacket and slacks, barefoot, as she wails with that heart-wrenching cry while extending her cupped hands to passersby.
How many "Ninas" are there in the City of Baguio? The influx of tourists to the City has also resulted to the increased entry of vagrants and mendicants. There are the musicians who drone their soulful songs, the pitiable ones who simply reach up with their plastic cups, the kind who wanders around and tugs at the clothes of everyone who happens to pass by, and even children who innocently ask for "barya".
The P.D. 1563 also known as the Mendicancy Law of 1978 was created to control and eradicate mendicants while providing penalties and appropriate funds and actions relative to this concern. This then spurred the creation of anti-mendicancy programs by the city government as it is believed that the state and society are jointly responsible in protecting the lives and interest of the citizenry.
But with the continuous rise in the numbers of vagrants and mendicants in the City, are these anti-mendicancy programs still active and effective? What exactly are being done to eradicate their presence? The City is a prime tourist destination and its image is being tainted as many tourists are disappointed over the dire attitude of mendicants who insist that they be handed money.
The police and other concerned officials may be successful in apprehending most of these beggars but it is truly unfortunate that they still return to the City to pursue their trade several days later.
Is this a reflection of the locals and the tourists' generosity that despite numerous attempts to lessen, if not eliminate the existence of beggars and vagrants, they are still rampant in our streets and sidewalks? Something to ponder on.
But with the continuous rise in the numbers of vagrants and mendicants in the City, are these anti-mendicancy programs still active and effective? What exactly are being done to eradicate their presence? The City is a prime tourist destination and its image is being tainted as many tourists are disappointed over the dire attitude of mendicants who insist that they be handed money.
The police and other concerned officials may be successful in apprehending most of these beggars but it is truly unfortunate that they still return to the City to pursue their trade several days later.
Is this a reflection of the locals and the tourists' generosity that despite numerous attempts to lessen, if not eliminate the existence of beggars and vagrants, they are still rampant in our streets and sidewalks? Something to ponder on.