Cebu City steps up campaign against mendicants

Local

BEHIND intensified patrols and enhanced surveillance, the number of mendicants in Cebu City has significantly decreased last year.

Cebu City Traffic Office Head Chief Raquel Arce said the city will continue its vigorous enforcement of the anti-mendicancy ordinance as it braces for more people coming into the city.

Arce noted the possibility of an increase in mendicants as the Sinulog 2025 festival approaches.

The public outreach campaign by the Anti-Mendicancy Board has shown promising results, with fewer mendicants seen in public spaces, Arce said.

Reports suggest many have moved to neighboring cities like Mandaue and Talisay, which are not under the same level of surveillance as Cebu City.

In November 2024, the Anti-Mendicancy Board, led by Dr. Lucelle Mercado, revisited the need for strict enforcement of City Ordinance 1631, which prohibits the act of giving alms or donations to mendicants without official permits.

The ordinance also enforces a ban on unsanctioned caroling in public spaces.

The CCTO reported that, as part of these efforts, no caroling groups were apprehended during the Christmas and New Year period for failing to secure proper permits.

This outcome is considered a clear sign of success for the city's public information drive regarding the ordinance.

Arce observed that the presence of mendicants in Cebu City has visibly decreased compared to last year, with the trend reflecting a significant improvement in enforcement efforts.

In cases of non-compliance with the ordinance, the CCTO works closely with the Anti-Mendicancy Board to gather reports on those involved in begging activities.

The board follows up by providing assistance, ranging from social support to relocation efforts.(MyTVCebu)