CEBU, Philippines — A two-month old baby boy was found abandoned among the piles of garbage at Umapad dumpsite in Mandaue City yesterday morning.
The baby was named Joseph in honor of the city’s patron saint whose feast day was also celebrated by the city on the day he was found by tricycle driver Angelo Entis.
Entis, 48, resident of Purok Tambis, Barangay Umapad, said he was about to park his tricycle when his attention was caught by a moving plastic bag at the dumpsite. He went to check and found a healthy baby boy.
"Padong ko park sa ako tricycle, ako nakit-an ang plastic (bag) nga naay bata, naglihok paman, ako gidali (og) (ka)naug, gitan-aw nako namula na gyud siya sa kainit siguro sud sa plastic. Limpyo na siya, nagdiaper pa gani," Entis said.
He immediately reported the incident to Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) Station 5 and turned over the baby to the City Social Welfare Services.
In his Facebook account, Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing said the baby's health status is now monitored by CSWS after being sent for check up at the Mandaue City District Hospital.
"They brought the baby to the City Hospital and CSWS is currently monitoring the baby’s status. He seems to be in good health and is currently in stable condition. He was found without any note or identification. As today is the feast day of St. Joseph we decided to name him Joseph," Quisumbing said.
Jessie Perez, officer-in-charge of CSWS, said they gave the abandoned baby the immediate care and medical attention. Documentation and medical records were also fixed at the hospital before putting the child under the CSWS custody.
Perez said the baby will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 for proper care and possible adoption.
Entis, who has six grown up kids, expressed interest to adopt the baby.
"Mao na nikuyog gyud mi dire, (sa CSWS) kay gusto namo maamoa na ug gusto namo ma-adopt," Entis said.
Perez, however, said those who wants to adopt the baby should go through the legal process with the DSWD. (FREEMAN)