MANILA, Philippines — Apprehended tambays or loiterers and vagrants in Quezon City may take advantage of various programs offered by the local government for unemployed residents and out-of-school youth, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said yesterday.
Belmonte said those recently apprehended as part of police efforts to strictly implement local ordinances should not be vilified and instead receive support from the government.
She noted many of those apprehended do not have jobs or are out-of-school youth.
“If they are of working age, we are willing to help them. We have skills training program. They can also enroll in our community college,” Belmonte said.
She stressed the need to erase the negative perceptions and prejudices against tambays, saying they should be encouraged to be productive citizens.
Among the programs are livelihood and skills training courses offered by the office of the vice mayor and the Quezon City Skills and Livelihood Foundation Inc.
The city government has also partnered with various institutions to provide education opportunities, especially for the poor.
Belmonte expressed support for the campaign by the police, but stressed that apprehensions should be made only if there are violations of existing ordinances against drinking in public, curfew for minors and walking around shirtless.