Badjao

Badjao

We often see them on the street or even on the highway, chasing every jeep that passes by. Carrying with them their improvised drums made of cans, PVC tubes, plastic, and rubber bands.

The badjao kids were less fortunate asking for little amount from people who had a big and generous heart in giving. But there are some people who don't want to give these poor kids even a single cent because they see them as parasites in our society.

amounts

One day I saw a group of badjao children along our way to Lucinda campus riding on the jeepney, There were four girls, the oldest carried an improvised drum or musical instrument, the other one was singing and the two younger girls were distributing a small brown envelops to all the passengers. After they sang a set of songs while playing their instruments, the two younger girls collected the envelopes from the passengers. However, I observed the sadness in their eyes because only a few coins were collected from their envelopes. I have guilt in my heart because I am one of those who refused to give a single coin to these kids, but in my mind, I am trying to console my feelings, by telling myself that I did the right thing, and that is not to tolerate the kids in their way of asking help or way of living. Because I believe that these kids should be inside the school and learning their lessons within the four corners of the classroom. I even ask some questions to myself like,  Why these children are here on the street and doing such kind of living? Where are the parents of these children? Does the local government or the authorities, doing any action to help the badjao people in order for them to have a better way of living?

Badjao people are also Filipino citizens who need to be treated fairly. To be provided the basic needs and have the right to enjoy the benefits and services offered by the government. Because of the talents, skills, and abilities they have, they deserve to be treated the right way and be respected as we respect others.