As a local in the City of Pines, I've seen so many homeless people begging in the streets kneeling and asking for alms, almost everyday I encounter these individuals. Many may think this is normal, however it is not, and should not be normalised. It is unsettling to think how many of these individuals are victims, victims of unforeseen circumstances, personal issue or human trafficking. I write this petition personally distressed by the growing number of beggars in Baguio, specially around Burnham Park and Session Road. I urge local government authorities and relevant organizations to take effective action to address the increasing issue of begging in our community.

Key Issues:

1) INCREASING NUMBER OF HOMELESSNESS: The number of people experiencing homelessness is continually increasing, and many are locked in cycles of poverty and isolation. This is not only a humanitarian issue, but also a public health and safety one.

2) LACK OF SUPPORT AND RESOURCES: Many people who beg or are homeless have many issues and may be in vulnerable situations, but they don’t have access to the services they need. The lack of proper support systems is a huge problem that needs to be fixed.

3) HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Beggars are often preyed upon by traffickers who use them to generate money. These traffickers often force victims into begging. As a result, many of the people seen begging on the streets may be victims of a larger criminal network, and they are unable to escape without assistance.

4) HEALTH RISKS AND SAFETY CONCERNS: Beggars, especially those on the streets for extended periods, face significant health risks, lack of access to clean water or sanitation, and inadequate nutrition, lastly, since Baguio is known for cold weather conditions, they are exposed to these harsh conditions. These risks result in both short-term and long-term health problems, many of which could be prevented with proper care and shelter. The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently highlighted the risk of communicable diseases that might arise from conditions in which these homeless people live.

It is a serious pressing issue that warrants immediate attention and mitigative efforts from our local government. I appeal for stricter monitoring of these areas by local and social welfare authorities and for more systematic and humane interventions to address the causes of begging and to help these individuals. These should include legal support, education initiatives, mental health support, vocational training, and skill training to give these individuals a chance for better life circumstances and livelihood.

I believe that addressing these issues will not only help individuals currently engaged in begging but will also foster a more inclusive and supportive community for. Let us harness our collective voice into a call for change, a demand for the authorities to take meaningful action a more enlightened Baguio.