Summer capital boosts anti-mendicancy program

Baguio City’s Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) plans to adopt the Baguio Community Reintegration and Empowerment Support framework as a central component of its anti-mendicancy program.

CSWDO head Liza Bulayungan presented the framework, which includes public education, coordination with neighboring local governments, data privacy safeguards, a digital tracking platform, a reconstituted anti-mendicancy task force, livelihood support, referrals and community-based services.

Social worker Racquel Madlon said the city provides validated clients with transportation assistance, temporary shelter, medical and psychosocial care, legal orientation and referrals to other agencies.

Transportation support includes coordination for the government’s Balik-Probinsya program, as well as food assistance and referrals to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pag-abot program. Temporary lodging and basic services are available at the Silungan Center and the Regional Processing Center in Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Medical support includes psychiatric referrals and treatment, clinical assessments, diagnostic tests, counseling and psychological first aid. Clients are also given information about anti-mendicancy laws and city ordinances, along with relief goods and hygiene supplies.

Madlon’s presentation cited 231 individuals recorded under the program from January 2022 to September 2026. The figures provided in the source, however, need clarification: the listed categories total 231, while the reported sex breakdown — 231 males and 90 females — totals 321. The figures should be verified before publication.