CEBU, Philippines — At least 20 individuals with mental disabilities loitering in the streets of Cebu City have been rescued by the members of the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Board.
Ramil Ayuman, Mayor Michael Rama’s assistant on special projects, said the city government is helping the rescued individuals by searching for their families so they can return home. They were also brought to the hospital for medical checkup.
The rescue operation was part of the initiative to ensure that the mayor’s ultimatum to get rid the streets of homeless individuals starting on June 12, 2023 is achieved.
Earlier, Rama announced that starting on Independence Day the city will liberated from people sleeping on the streets. He also ordered a 24/7 implementation of the environmental laws and ordinances to ensure that no garbage is found on the streets.
Some street dwellers the city government has rescued were sent to a temporary shelter at the South Road Properties (SRP). Those who are from the provinces were assisted by the city government through the “Balik Probinsiya” Program.
The city government is hoping for the cooperation of the constituents, especially the barangay officials, to achieve the goal of a Singapore-like Cebu City. — FPL (FREEMAN)