Members of an indigenous ethnic group called Badjaos can sell their goods in Bacolod until October but will not be allowed to beg on the city’s streets, Pacita Tero, Department Social Services and Development head, said Wednesday, August 10.
There are 14 Badjao families who have rented three houses in Barangay 16 in Bacolod, she said.
Tero said the Badjaos agreed that the male heads of their families will vend their goods, which include fancy jewelry, on the city’s streets only until the MassKara Festival in October.
However, their wives and children will not be allowed to beg on Bacolod’s streets as accidents could happen that could cause their injury, Tero said.
The Badjaos were warned that if their children are seen on the streets of Bacolod begging they will be taken from them, she said.
The Badjaos’ names will be listed and they will be given identification cards, she added.
“So far they are abiding with our agreement”, she said.
Tero said the Badjaos in Bacolod came from Cebu, and agreed to leave the city after the MassKara Festival.*