Ten days to go before Christmas. Is it just me, or are there a lot more beggars on the streets this year? I think I’m seeing more Bagobo and Ata beggars trying to scrounge a few bucks from the lowlanders compared to last year.
We’ve all heard of alleged syndicates that’re responsible for ‘fielding’ beggars into city streets. But whether or not this is true, we mustn’t forget our innate generosity. If there really are unscrupulous elements taking advantage of the poor by having them beg for money to line their own pockets, that’s their problem.
If you gave a few pesos to a beggar who happens to be under these syndicates, don’t worry, you still store up blessings in heaven. You’re being generous, and the Father above will recognize this.
Still, it is bothersome, this notion of syndicates running distasteful and oppressive activities. But what can we do?
Coming back from Cagayan de Oro City last week, I noticed something odd and disconcerting. Between the town of Quezon in Bukidnon and the border settlements of Davao, I saw small kids trying to beg for money from speeding cars! They looked to be from 4 to 8 years old.
As soon as they hear a car, their arms shoot out towards the highway. Children in tattered clothes, as well as school children walking home from school, many of them did this. But not the adults.
Are they being taught to do this??
Hey Blogie – If you take a drive down the Diversion Road in Davao you will see dozens to hundreds of kids doing the same thing. They basically stand on the roadside most of the day with their hands out to passing traffic! It’s a real shame!
i’ve seen this too countless times before on highways going out of davao as well as along the diversion road.. maybe the city council (or dswd) need to be informed about this. i think peter lavina’s and rachel zozobrado’s blogs are listed in davaoblogs.com. ill try to comment about this issue there. i hope others who care can do the same.
thanks for this blog. now we need action.
@Bob — Really, along the Diversion Road? I haven’t noticed that…
@chi — That’s a good idea. Thanks!
Hi Blogie – Yeah, that has been going on for at least 5 years now on Diversion Road.
yep.
we should be generous all the time.
nice shot ^^,
meri xmas ^^,
hey fellow dabawenyo :) yeh there are a lot of bagobos running around our streets.. I’ve seen a lot of mothers bringing/using the child to beg people for money..
it’s sad..yes some of the children are being taught/encourage to do such ways..
i think we need to get the attention of the dswd about this matter.why because kids are in danger for the vehicles passing on that road.and dswd are always ignore it if they have information about this?????onli in the philippines ehehehe