SOCIAL workers are nonstop in trying to prevent the influx of beggars in Cagayan de Oro especially during Christmas season, though the problem has never attained a sustainable solution as beggars are keep coming back and their groups even keep on rising.
According to City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) chief Teddy Sabuga-a that most of these beggars belong to the Bajau ethnic group usually coming from the neighbouring City of Iligan and as far as Basilan province, among others.
Sabuga-a said the Bajaus come in groups or by lonesome and make their seasonal trip in the city just to beg for money in the advent of Yuletide season when the people are normally extra-kind and giving.
In July this year, Sabuga-a said the city government tried to offer relocation sites in Barangay Canitoan for these families, but they refused hinting they would prefer instead some areas near the seas.
However, the sea coasts are considered as no-build zones, thus posing a problem for the homeless beggars.
"They did not accept our offer because living there wouldn't suit their livelihood," Sabuga-a said.
The City Government has conducted several rescue operations early this year, even sending Bajaus in the city back to where they come from.
But as usual, they’re "magically" seen again when Christmas season is around.
For this, Sabuga-a is asking of each barangay's cooperation in their continued anti-beggars program, especially for begging children on the streets.
Sabuga-a said the barangays should activate their barangay protection children team, created through the Parental Responsibility Code, which is an ordinance crafted to punish parents who neglect and abandon their children, use their kids to commit crimes, not providing the children with education, no prenatal checkups, and making the children as runners or couriers of drugs, among others.
"This is actually a shared responsibility of the city and the barangays. The city cannot do this alone. Every barangay official should act and not allow kids to be placed in a risky situation," he said.