Street dwellers are a growing concern in Cebu City.
You see them along sidewalks.
Under bridges.
Near markets and terminals.
What Problems Do They Cause?
City officials and residents raise concerns:
Public safety
Sanitation
Traffic obstruction
Noise and disturbances
Petty crimes
They also affect businesses.
Some shops report lost customers.
Others worry about security.
Where Do They Stay?
Common areas include:
Fuente Osmeña
Carbon Market
Colon Street
Public parks
Sidewalks near malls
Many sleep in groups.
Some bring families.
Others keep dogs.
Who Are They?
Not all are homeless.
Some have homes but still beg or loiter.
Others live on the street full-time.
You might see:
Elderly
Children
People with mental health issues
Individuals with disabilities
Entire families
Some come from other provinces.
What Is the City Doing?
Cebu City’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) runs outreach efforts.
They offer:
Temporary shelters
Food assistance
Transport to home provinces
Referrals to health services
But not all cooperate.
Many refuse help.
Some leave shelters by choice.
Why Don’t They Stay in Shelters?
Common reasons:
Lack of freedom
Rules and curfews
Substance use
Mental illness
Fear of authorities
Some feel safer on the streets.
Others prefer familiar places.
How Do Residents Feel?
Mixed opinions.
Some want stricter measures.
Others call for long-term solutions.
Questions arise:
Should the city remove them forcibly?
Can government do more?
What role do citizens play?
Can You Help?
You can help in simple ways:
Support NGOs that offer aid
Report abuse or unsafe behavior
Avoid giving money that encourages begging
Encourage rehabilitation and social work
Ask yourself:
Does your support help their long-term needs?
What Else Can Be Done?
Experts suggest:
More rehab centers
Long-term housing
Skills training
Mental health programs
Public-private partnerships
Temporary solutions often fail.
Real change needs consistent effort.
Are Children Safe?
Street children are most at risk.
They face:
Hunger
Violence
Abuse
Illness
Lack of education
Many skip school.
Others are forced to work.
What future awaits them?
What Can You Do Today?
Start small:
Volunteer in outreach programs
Donate to legit shelters
Be kind, but realistic
Support job training and education drives
You don’t need to fix everything.
But you can be part of something better.
Final Questions
Should Cebu City increase funding for shelters?
Can stricter rules help, or hurt?
What rights do street dwellers have?
The answers affect all of us.
Street dwellers aren’t just a government issue.
They are part of your city.
Your community.
Your everyday life.
What will you do about it?
