THE Davao City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) said fewer street beggars, particularly members of the Badjao community, are loitering around the city now compared to the past.

Jackie Roble, center head of the Quick Response Team for Children's Concerns/Kean Gabriel of CSWDO, said some of the Badjaos have turned to selling or peddling goods and only a few are left loitering the streets begging for change or food.

“Tungod man gud pud na dili na sila makapangisda, mao nang manganha sila sa dalan but actually nag lessen na siya (They cannot fish or find other livelihoods that’s why they are begging in the streets. But there are less of them now than before),” Roble said during the iSpeak media forum on June 1.

Roble said Badjaos have no permanent home but those Badjaos peddling and loitering streets in downtown Davao City are from Matina Aplaya and Bucana.

She added that they also encounter challenges wherein the Badjao community sells the government’s ayuda or food packs to buy liquor or other vices but the CSWDO addresses this through their Street Education Program.

Through the said program, members of the Badjao community undergo seminars and orientation and are given livelihood assistance. They are also listed under the city government’s “masterlist.”

“(Under the program), wala gyud sila (the Badjaos) dapat sa streets (we prevent them from going back to the streets). Ginatagaan pud sila og lecture (We provide lectures and seminars) and they are encouraged to be immunized to ensure their health and wellness,” Robel said.