Seven former solvent boys were given a new lease on life after they were hired as workers of the Manila city government.
They were previously arrested and given the chance to earn money by serving the public as traffic enforcers and social workers.
Leo Francisco Bantuas and Rafa Ayoste Acebedo are now with the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) as traffic enforcers. They already finished their two-month training and were deployed to Tondo, Manila.
“Nakikita ho namin na masigasig na pumapasok para maging traffic enforcer.. Talagang gustong mag bagong buhay (We can see that they are eager to become traffic enforcers. They really want to have a better life),” Wilson Chan, MTPB chief operations officer, said in an interview on Monday.
Jimbert Abaigar, Jay R. Abaigar, Richard Murio, Mikko Paul Padilla, and Jonathan Arellano have joined the Manila Department of Social Welfare's (MDSW) rescue team.
MDSW Director Re Fugoso said the five were among those rescued on the streets during one of the social welfare department's operations. They initially resisted but later joined the department as social workers.
The newly hired social workers were presented to Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, who personally handed them their first salary on February 5.
“Dati kayo ang hinahabol. Ngayon, kayo na ang manghahabol. Minsan kailangan n’yo lang pagtiwalaan ang inyong pamahalaan (You used to be the one being chased, now you are the ones chasing violators and the medicants. Sometimes you just have to trust your government),” Domagoso said.
The Manila mayor also warned them not to revert to their old lifestyle nor use their new position to abuse others.
“Wag kayo mangongotong ha. Kundi kokotongan ko kayo. Dignidad ang gawin n’yong kayamanan ninyo (Don’t commit bribery or else I will hit you. Consider your dignity as your wealth),” he said.
The local chief executive also acknowledged Fugoso, Manila Police District-Dagupan police community precinct chief Capt. Gerry Tubera, and Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) Director Dennis Viaje for giving the former solvent boys a chance at a better life.