Haven't been to Manila in quite a while. The last time I spent a lot of time in Intramuros was way back in 2012. So I was surprised to see a lot of beggars in Manila. At the front of a Jollibee restaurant alone, I encountered four individuals asking for alms. Had to give them all something, lest they scratch the vehicle I was riding in.
Also walked through the underpass between Intramuros and the Manila Post Office. There were around eight homeless individuals sleeping on improvised cardboard box beds in the underpass. And malnourished dogs could also be seen in the area.
I do not remember Manila being as poor as this in 2012. Yes, there were beggars and homeless people, but not as much as there are now. Maybe the new Mayor should focus on providing these individuals with programs that can teach them skills that will allow them to work and be productive. Their initial salary could be warm healthy meals. If malnourished, these individuals won't be able to work well.
Also concerned that these individuals are not wearing face masks or face shields that the government should be providing for those below the poverty line. I have seen street dwellers and beggars with face masks in other parts of Metro Manila. But at this point, these individuals would probably die of starvation and malnourishment than of Covid-19.
