THE Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) urged village officials to help them to reach out to Badjaos loitering around Bacolod City.
Pacita Tero, head of DSSD, said Monday, November 6, they need the cooperation of the villages to address the problem on Badjaos, who are asking for alms from jeepney passengers and private vehicle owners.
She said the anti-mendicancy task force is intensifying its operation to reach out to the Badjaos and encourage them to return to their hometowns.
When they leave, they usually return after a week and continue to ask for alms.
“The assistance of the barangay (village) officials is a big help to reduce the presence of Badjaos in various areas,” Tero added.
Last month, the DSSD had already convinced the Badjaos to return to their hometowns while some of them were given an area along Bredco Port and made to promise not to return to the downtown area.
The anti-mendicancy task force is monitoring the Badjaos during day time and night time, but Tero said they lack vehicles to check all the areas.
Last week, Badjaos were seen asking for alms on streets, jeepneys, and residential areas, and most of them are using babies for begging.
“The barangay officials should help us because the Badjaos are also loitering in their barangays. Let us work together to address this problem,” Tero said.
Tero urged the public not to give alms to Badjaos to stop them from loitering.