It was Dr. Ester Concha, chief of Cebu City Hall’s Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS), who recounted in a radio interview how she and her team dealt with street children who board jeepneys to beg for money from passengers.
She scolded the boys for trying to persuade or pressure passengers into giving them money. The kids were then brought to the nearest social welfare office for interview before being returned to their parents.
One boy admitted that he skipped classes since his parents weren’t home, Concha said. Whether the boy wanted to earn extra money for himself or the family, or to buy rugby, she didn’t say.
Those who live and commute in Metro Cebu are familiar with the scene. Boys as young as seven to as old as 18 or even 20 years old, with many looking older than their age, would board a jeepney like regular passengers.
They then break out into a carol or a practiced Cebuano jingle, which goes something like: “Don’t be afraid of us, we won’t steal from you. It’s the holiday season so we’re asking you to spare some money for us.”
Sometimes the spiel is done in rap.
Some kids would poke, and threaten passengers who deny or ignore their request.
Begging for alms has become a learned skill of harassment with the riding public as the unfortunate target.
In the spirit of Christmas – or out of fear for some untold consequence – commuters hand over some coins.
It shouldn’t be this way. Patience and pity can only go so far.
A Cebu City ordinance penalizes begging and actually prohibits people from giving alms to people who solicit in the middle of a busy road.
Bleeding hearts among the riding public have to remember that we don’t do street children a favor by handing them cash.
Easy money just keeps them on the street longer. Even giving candy or food is an incentive for them to continue their routine.
Concha has shown how to handle the situation, and to balance charity with the need to be firm.
The minors are to be handed back to their parents or guardians, who bear the responsibility of taking better care of them.
But how many passengers have the time to confront street kids and take them to a police precinct or social welfare office?
Not many. But the first step of refusing to be part of the caroling “trap” is key.
Until a significant mass of commuters takes part in market denial, these scenes of instant PUJ carols will continue to be joyless occasions of giving.
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