By Minka Tiangco
Street dwellers and other homeless people staying in Manila amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat have been rescued by the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW).
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
MDSW Chief Re Fugoso said they have been scouring Manila's streets to rescue vulnerable street dwellers since Monday.
They also rescued some persons who were not able to go home to their provinces after Metro Manila was placed under enhanced community quarantine.
However, the MDSW chief said they have rescued fewer than 20 persons since some street dwellers refuse to come with them.
"Pag panahon ng ganitong kalamidad, hindi tayo pwedeng mamili. Kahit sino naman diyang gustong sumama, welcome sa amin (In times of calamity such as this, we cannot be picky. Anyone who wants to come with us is welcome)," she told reporters on Wednesday.
The rescued persons were temporarily sheltered at Delpan Sports Complex where they were provided with food and a place to sleep.
Fugoso said the food given to the rescued individuals was sourced from donations to the Manila City government and from allotted funds.
Earlier, the Manila City Council passed a resolution declaring the country's capital under a state of calamity so that the city government could access the city's quick response fund.
Through this, Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso allocated a fund of P227.5 million to provide meals to about 350,000 families who may be affected should the enhanced community quarantine situation worsen.
Fugoso also ordered that the Manila Boys Town Complex and Manila Youth Reception Center be placed under lockdown to protect the hundreds of children, teenagers, and senior citizens housed there.
The entire island of Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine from March 17 to April 12 in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19.