Authorities removed at least 12 mendicants from major streets as the city intensified cleanup and security preparations ahead of the ASEAN Leaders’ Forum scheduled next month.
The City Social Welfare Services Office and the Department of Social Welfare and Development carried out the operations in key areas of Mandaue City, targeting individuals believed to be members of the Badjao community.
City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on Jr. said the rescued individuals received assistance and were returned to Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, where they are reportedly residing.
The operations form part of the DSWD’s broader effort to manage and assist street mendicants, with local authorities aiming to keep public areas clear in the lead up to the international event.
Malig-on said monitoring and field operations will continue in the coming days to prevent the return of street dwellers to major roads.
“Mao lang na ang challenge dako ang city, wa ta kahibaw asa sila mag laroy-laroy,” he said.
He added that coordination with Badjao community leaders has been strengthened to help manage their members and reduce recurrence of street presence.
With only days left before the ASEAN Leaders’ Forum on May 7 and 8, Malig-on said Mandaue is nearing completion of its preparations.
Although the city will not host any official events, it will serve as a transit route for delegates, prompting cleanup and beautification along major corridors.
Roadside improvements are ongoing along UN Avenue and Ouano Avenue, where repainting and removal of vandalism marks have been carried out.
In Barangay Guizo, fencing and covering works have been installed at the Bayanihan Village, though officials said the effort is part of existing programs and not solely tied to ASEAN preparations.
Malig-on said the city will continue its cleanup and beautification drive beyond the forum as part of longer term urban maintenance efforts. (VCL)
Photo by Atty. Sally Malig-on
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