By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) yesterday discouraged the public from giving money to Badjaos.

Badjaos, sometimes referred to as ‘Sea Gypsies,’ often converge on Bacolod City during certain occasions, such as the MassKara Festival and Christmas, and beg for money on the streets.

DSSD head Pacita Tero said, as they continue receiving assistance from the public, they will keep returning to the city.

In the past, she noted, DSSD used to rescue Badjaos and bring them to the Social Development Center (SDC); however, due to changes in SDC operations, the DSSD has no facility to house them.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Administrator John Orola is considering having Badjaos picked up and returned home, a practice in use by the Iloilo City government.

“We just have to strongly enforce the policies of the city,” he said./DGB, WDJ