THE Badjao sector of the population of Mabalacat City is proving to be a nuisance per se to the populace.
Aside from their aimless movements the whole day, most of them loitering around Xevera's plaza and business establishments, they ride recklessly on public utility vehicles, begging and handing over small white envelopes purposely for alms and pester passengers who do not cooperate.
The Badjao women, mostly unwashed, come out every morning from the colony of houses settled on the banks bordering Xevera Subdivision where the city hall building is located. They too are into begging for alms, this time with their shabby babies as props.
It is obvious that they do not have gainful employment to spend their time on and the men are likewise not visible in the labor force of the city.
The number of Badjao settlers is dangerously increasing and the City Government officials should seriously consider the fast hike in their migration to the city.
Last Sunday, February 4, I and some kids went to the 7/11 store to buy some merienda. Suddenly, a group of young, dirty Badjao boys arrived raucously and created noise inside the store. Advised by the store attendants to go out of the store, the group disgustingly exited but the supposed leader, a grown-up man about middle twenties, kicked the
glass door of 7/11 so hard it created a loud sound to the irritation of some customers, us included.
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The Badjaos pose grave threat particularly on young pupils of Dona Asuncion Integrated School (Dalis), pestering them with offers of stolen cellphones and various ruses but when the pupils do not mind them, the Badjaos react violently. These gestures could morph into more violent acts if not abated immediately. Petty crime may be committed by these unruly Badjao folks.
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It may be recalled that during the tenure of Mayor Boking Morales, a fund was set aside to give these Badjaos transportation money for their journey back to where they originated. After getting the money, they kept coming back, obviously defeating the purpose of sending them back. The City Social Welfare and Development Office was the lead office tasked with this effort.
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The SAJC Batch 1963 Reunion last February 7, 2018 was a success gauging from the participation of the surviving members. The activity started with a mass at the Lady of Grace Parish Church officiated by Fr. Sison followed by a motorcade from the church to Bamban town proper and to Dau.
The batch was escorted by two motorcycle escorts from the MCTEG, courtesy of Chook Santos, after which a sumptuous lunch was ready at Venmari Resort Barangay Poblacion. There was singing via the videoke machine made possible by Rudy Morales and, after the lunch, a “Bring Me” game was held.
Batchmates in one table had a drinking session, with Eddie Palo and Rolando Bermudo making “tagays.”
A mini raffle ensued with an electric fan as prize which was won by Marcela Tungul who worked hard for the reunion.
Balikbayans led by Grace Rivera Velasquez, Jerry Balleza with wife Bess
Norma Reyes, Nancy David, Teresita Tomiampos and Lourdes Ramos made the Reunion lively with their accounts of life in another country.
It was a rewarding experience, this 55th Jade Anniversary of SAJC Batch
1963 and former teachers Carol Quito and Primitiva Samson-Quitalig attended.
As usual, funny man Dong Policarpio provided singing pleasure to the attendees. Earlier, Jerry and wife danced to swing, chacha and boogie. Ditto with Norma Reyes and Nida.