Over 200 street dwellers back on streets after ECQ

CEBU, Philippines — Over 200 homeless individuals are now back on the streets of Cebu City after being sheltered for two months by Barangay San Nicolas Proper during the period of enhanced community quarantine.

San Nicolas Barangay Captain Clifford Jude Niñal said he felt bad that they have to fend for themselves again on the streets because he had been feeding them during the past two months.

“Namalik na pud sila sa mga kadalanan. Manglimos na pud, didto sila makakwarta unya didto na pud sila maghugaw-hugaw,” Niñal said.

During the first month of the ECQ, there were about 43 stranded individuals and over 200 street dwellers who sought temporary shelter in San Nicolas Proper. As the city transitioned to general community quarantine the stranded individuals slowly returned to their respective municipalities while the street dwellers went back to what they earned for a living---begging.

From the original number of LSI in his barangay, Niñal said only four are left in the temporary shelter including one from Davao, Argao, Masbate and Negros island. The street dwellers also

Using his personal funds and the support of well-meaning private individuals, Niñal provided for the daily needs—food, water, hygiene kits--- of the street dwellers and stranded individuals during the ECQ period.

Councilor Jessica Resch, SK Federation president, initially sent out tents for them but was later removed by Niñal for proper monitoring as he noted that some used to hide their illegal activities.

The lack of attention and concrete plans of the city government for the street dwellers prompted them to return to the streets. With only a few homeless individuals left in the barangay, Niñal said he is now shifting his full attention in rationing water to 3,000 households.

Niñal disclosed that it has been two months as well that residents suffered lack of water supply.

“Kung muagas man gani, kadlawn pud, unya lisod biya kung mao ray imong atngan kanunay. So mao na ni ron, buntag ug hapon tuyok namo sa mga sitio para mahatagag tubig,” said Niñal.  FPL (FREEMAN)