Temporary nightly shelter extended to street dwellers

CEBU, Philippines —  Aside from the temporary shelter given at night, the Cebu City Government is also assisting those “rescued” with a free medical check-up and assistance for the national government’s Balik Probinsya program.

Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office (CCAMO)’s Executive Director Gladys Vaño said, through the city’s PIO, that part of their task is to assist those street dwellers who are not originally from Cebu City to avail of the government’s “Balik Probinsiya” program.

The Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa program (BP2), is open to all eligible Filipinos wanting to start anew in the provinces.

The BP2 Program was enacted through Executive Order (EO) No. 114 to provide measures that can support the decongestion of urban communities through the equitable distribution of wealth and resources, and the provision of social services in the rural areas.

Aside from that, beneficiaries who decide to settle in their original hometown or in other resettlement areas are given a wide array of opportunities, along with employment, industrialization, and improved quality of services to start a new life.

Eligible beneficiaries of the program include those who are affected by government projects and legal demolition activities; families living on the street or in danger zones; victims of human-induced or natural disasters, including health hazards such as the COVID-19 pandemic; individuals who lost employment or income opportunities; and informal settlers, among others.

So far, most of those rescued by the CCMO, CESET, Prevention, Restoration Order, Beautification, Enhancement (PROBE) Team, the Department of Public Services (DPS); and the city’s police force are mostly just from Cebu City.

To ensure everyone’s safety, the males and females have separate sleeping areas.  The males are billeted at the “Samaritan’s Rest,” while the girls are staying at the “Morning Star” - both facilities are at the NOAH Complex at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Before they get to sleep and before returning to their respective areas where they usually go during the daytime, they are also encouraged to observe proper grooming.

“Kung moingon sila nga naglain ang ilang lawas magpa check-up sila, pwede sila magpakonsulta,” said Vaño.

More than keeping the sidewalks cleared from street dwellers at night though, it is Mayor Mike Rama's vision to provide a permanent relocation and socialized housing through medium rise buildings (MRB) for its residents. — GAN (FREEMAN)