Aging is no walk in the park for the timid-hearted, says Briones
In the heart of Cebu, the Philippines, social ills have been a growing concern for many, including the author of this article. One such issue is the rising number of homeless people, a problem that has become increasingly apparent on P. Del Rosario St. and Pelaez, located at the back of Cebu Normal University.
The author, who has reached a stage in life where they have noticed changes in their surroundings, expresses a desire for government agencies to acknowledge the presence of homeless people and do something about the issue. They believe that ignoring the plight of these individuals will not make them disappear.
The author also expresses concern about the increasing number of children in conflict with the law, as evidenced by a recent street skirmish involving young kids on Uytengsu Street. The author feels that if something is not done to address this issue, things could potentially get out of hand.
The Philippine government has taken steps to address homelessness on a national level. Key measures include rental subsidies, affordable housing construction, and resettlement programs, anchored in the DHSUD’s National Housing Plan and the Expanded 4PH program. However, funding and implementation challenges persist, with calls for more comprehensive, participatory housing delivery beyond market mechanisms.
Regional efforts such as in Bangsamoro show enhanced funding for resettlement housing, but specific interventions around Cebu Normal University are not detailed in the search results. However, informal settlers and homeless populations in Cebu would generally fall under national and local housing policies, subject to LGU initiatives not captured here.
The author, in discussing the challenges of aging, uses the metaphor of a double-edged sword. On one hand, aging brings physical decline and health challenges such as thinning hair, sagging skin, blurred vision, hearing loss, the return of the potbelly, joint pains, and backaches. On the other hand, the author notes that getting older allows them to see the world for what it is.
The author is not just a passive observer, but someone who feels the need to call out things that stick out like a sore thumb. They are querulous, grumbling, whining, and fault-finding, but always with the intention of creating awareness and fostering change. The author does not consider homeless people to be a problem, but rather a social issue that requires attention and action.
In conclusion, the issue of homelessness in Cebu, Philippines, is a complex one that requires a multi-faceted approach. The Philippine government has taken steps to address this issue on a national level, but more needs to be done, especially in terms of localised efforts. The author calls on government agencies, local leaders, and the community to work together to address this issue and provide support to those in need.
[1] Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD). (2022). National Housing Plan (2022-2028). Retrieved from https://dhsud.gov.ph/national-housing-plan-2022-2028/
[2] Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). (2021). Budget Increases for Resettlement Housing in Bangsamoro. Retrieved from https://mhsd.barmmm.gov.ph/budget-increases-for-resettlement-housing-in-bangsamoro/
[3] National Housing Authority (NHA). (2021). Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. Retrieved from https://www.nha.gov.ph/4ph/
- The author, who resides in Cebu, Philippines, urges the government to focus on addressing the issue of homelessness in their local community, which is not only a national concern but has also been highlighted specifically in areas like P. Del Rosario St. and Pelaez.
- The author, witnessing the growing problem of juvenile delinquency in Cebu, particularly evident on Uytengsu Street, expresses fear about the potential escalation of this social issue if it remains unaddressed.
- As the author enters their later years, they reflect on the double-edged nature of aging, acknowledging the physical health challenges that come with it, such as thinning hair, sagging skin, and joint pains, but also seeing the world more clearly due to their experience.
