City Hall to spend P225K for Badjaos

BADJAOS seek shelter under one of the bridges in Iloilo City. (PSTMO photo)

THE Iloilo City government will spend P225,000 for the repatriation of Badjaos from Mindanao who have become beggars in the city.

Jeck Conlu, head of the Iloilo City Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), said the money will cover the food, transportation, and other expenses of the Badjaos on their trip back home.

“Ready na ang funds for release so pwede na kami ka reach out sa mga Badjaos any time this week. Hindi ni siya pag ihatag na cash sa ila. Amo ni siya i-gastos for pamasahe nila kung magpauli sila, bulong kag other nila nga needs,” Conlu said.

But Conlu clarified that the budget is for adult Badjaos only.

Concerned city hall departments will provide services to the members of one of the biggest indigenous people’s group in the country before they are sent home to Mindanao.

“Ang amon na request is P3,000 per head pero for mga adults lang gid and based sa amon inventory, 75 Badjaos and ini sila paga-reach out naton, check-upon sang City Health, sang City Social and Welfare Development Office (CSWDO), kung ano kakulangan nila,” he added.

According to Conlu, they are coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) to assure that the Badjaos will arrive safely to their home province and will not return to the city.

He also added that the CSWDO would prepare a case study report which will be handed over to their respective local government units.

“Ang report sang aton CSWDO amo ni siya ang i-hand in naton sa ila LGU para mabal-an man sang LGU nila kung ano ang reasons nga gakadto di ang ila mga constituents. Once nga may coordination kita sa ila LGU so possibly ma-assure naton nga hindi na sila kabalik di kung may intervention na sang LGU,” he mentioned.

The Badjaos, who thrive as mendicants, usually stay in vacant lots in La Paz, Iloilo City and under several bridges at Buhang, Jaro, and Pavia.

The Badjaos keep coming back to the city despite efforts by the PSTMO to gather and send them back home.

Aside from affecting the city’s sanitation because of their unhygienic ways, Conlu said Badjaos riding in jeepneys and crossing the streets could cause danger to both motorists and passengers.

Also known as the “Sea Gypsies” of the Sulu and Celebes Seas, the Badjaos are from the coastal areas of Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, and some coastal municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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