Mayor urges families: care for your elderly
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong has appealed to families to show greater compassion and responsibility toward their elderly members following reports of an increase in mendicants—mostly senior citizens—around the city’s central business district, especially with the Christmas season approaching.
The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) recently rounded up eight elderly individuals found asking for alms along major roads and in public parks. They were brought either back to their homes or to bus terminals so they could return to their provinces of origin.
BCPO City Director PCol. Ruel Tagel said most of the elderly mendicants are Baguio residents, while others came from Benguet and Mountain Province.
“Previously, we also encountered other groups of mendicants from different areas, such as the Badjaos, and they were likewise escorted to bus terminals so they could return home,” Tagel added.
Mayor Magalong stressed that while the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) provides support to mendicants, the primary responsibility for the care of elderly individuals rests with their families.
The public—both residents and tourists—are also reminded not to give alms, as mendicancy is prohibited under Presidential Decree (PD) 1563, or the Mendicancy Law of 1978.
The law, which “aims to protect dignity, promote social justice, and provide basic needs,” imposes penalties of up to P1,000 and/or imprisonment of up to four years for mendicants. Individuals who give money without authorization may also be fined or jailed.
The CSWDO continues to offer various interventions for mendicants. These include psychological first aid, counseling, orientation on the Anti-Mendicancy Law, family case work, Balik Probinsiya assistance, temporary shelter, the Sustainable Livelihood Program for eligible clients, medical and financial aid, and referrals to concerned local government units, hospitals, or partner organizations. To report mendicants for rescue, call 911 or the following helplines: CSWDO at 09672084777, 09517505039, (074) 422-6056; Mental Health Unit at 09190696361 or BCPO at 09985987739 – JM Samidan
