My Heart was Crushed
I have fancied Cebu so much that the moment I first went with my hubby, we were awed at what we saw, the clean streets, the tall buildings, the superbly cool malls, the nice places we were brought to, the tourist spots, the bridges, the churches, everything was so nice. I love Mandaue City in particular and the whole Cebu seemed to be cool that I thought I can live there forever.
On our second visit, we brought along with us our kids, we took them to places we have been to on our first trip, and we introduced them to Lapu-lapu, to the cross of Magellan and brought them to Fort San Pedro. They were awed as well at the sight Cebu has placed on their eyes.
I was proud then that I came to visit the Queen City of The South.
Until I came to see Cebu City last weekend. After the seminar we had on Friday, I just went back to the hotel and slept. The reason: busy crowded walkways in Colon St., Cebu City. Colon City is the oldest street in Cebu City and in the Philippines! It is actually the heart of downtown Cebu. This street has become the witness to the rise and fall of Cebu's economic and political competence over the years.
Saturday: I woke up very early to have a cup of coffee, and I decided to get out of the hotel and while still early at 6am, try to have a look of the not-so-busy streets. The Cebu morning I saw was horrible, the smell so foul, ditches and manholes left and right, are full, and with very bad stench. If you want fresh morning air, you cannot have it in that area of Cebu City. Garbage bins were oh-so-full and even overflowing, and there are just many vagrants sleeping in the streets, many of those were children.
I don't know if the street cleaners were just late to clean the last night's trash, but I see foreigners covering their noses because of the stench. Colon is a street with so many hotels parading, mostly housing foreigners. Pelaez St, is next, this is where our hotel is located, 2 blocks away from University of San Carlos-Main.
And Pelaez St., seems to me to be a red-light avenue with all massage parlors and night club signs twinkling in their mini led-lights. And to think of the university nearby, oh no.
I just cannot continue walking anymore, it pains me that the clean and nice Cebu I know also has this kind of bad sight. And this next pic is a heartbreaking one:
The children you see (there's actually three of them), were asleep without anything to sleep on, not even a piece of paper to lay down to. My heart was crushed by what I saw. I could only say my thanks to God, I have a bed to lay down to and a comfortable house to shelter me.
What is our government doing? Are they aware of this situation?
And for the kids, I don't know what the answer to my question is, but when they wake up, do they see a future ahead of them?
My heart cries out in pity, oh please, dear God, hear the children's cries...
I still love Cebu, but I just can't bear seeing these things on my next visit, it crushes my heart.
On our second visit, we brought along with us our kids, we took them to places we have been to on our first trip, and we introduced them to Lapu-lapu, to the cross of Magellan and brought them to Fort San Pedro. They were awed as well at the sight Cebu has placed on their eyes.
I was proud then that I came to visit the Queen City of The South.
Until I came to see Cebu City last weekend. After the seminar we had on Friday, I just went back to the hotel and slept. The reason: busy crowded walkways in Colon St., Cebu City. Colon City is the oldest street in Cebu City and in the Philippines! It is actually the heart of downtown Cebu. This street has become the witness to the rise and fall of Cebu's economic and political competence over the years.
Saturday: I woke up very early to have a cup of coffee, and I decided to get out of the hotel and while still early at 6am, try to have a look of the not-so-busy streets. The Cebu morning I saw was horrible, the smell so foul, ditches and manholes left and right, are full, and with very bad stench. If you want fresh morning air, you cannot have it in that area of Cebu City. Garbage bins were oh-so-full and even overflowing, and there are just many vagrants sleeping in the streets, many of those were children.
I don't know if the street cleaners were just late to clean the last night's trash, but I see foreigners covering their noses because of the stench. Colon is a street with so many hotels parading, mostly housing foreigners. Pelaez St, is next, this is where our hotel is located, 2 blocks away from University of San Carlos-Main.
And Pelaez St., seems to me to be a red-light avenue with all massage parlors and night club signs twinkling in their mini led-lights. And to think of the university nearby, oh no.
I just cannot continue walking anymore, it pains me that the clean and nice Cebu I know also has this kind of bad sight. And this next pic is a heartbreaking one:
The children you see (there's actually three of them), were asleep without anything to sleep on, not even a piece of paper to lay down to. My heart was crushed by what I saw. I could only say my thanks to God, I have a bed to lay down to and a comfortable house to shelter me.
What is our government doing? Are they aware of this situation?
And for the kids, I don't know what the answer to my question is, but when they wake up, do they see a future ahead of them?
My heart cries out in pity, oh please, dear God, hear the children's cries...
I still love Cebu, but I just can't bear seeing these things on my next visit, it crushes my heart.
Comments
MarketMan (of http://www.marketmanila.com/) has this small benefit for kids that might interest you.
To think people have more knowledge now of things, it's a wonder why this is happening to our cities.
It's too bad that the social problems are still there. I'm optimistic that the Social Welfare Department of Cebu can do something about it. They can really make a difference. My optimism is buoyed by the modern penal system that they've implemented in Cebu. Yes, that penal system where the inmates dance in total discipline and are housed in humane facilities. They can do it if they put their mind to it.
it's too bad. such scene really is a heart breaking. mahirap lang din ang pamilyang pinanggalingan ko but still, i am so lucky enough na hindi ko naranasan matulog sa kalye.
I guess it's not only the government who should start moving...ordinary people too (rich or poor) should also do their part. It work hand in hand :)
I also believe kasi na if there is a will there is a way...so if the less fortunate people be responsible/discipline more, there wont be people sleeping on the streets or there wont be any sleazy places to see.
This is the price of a capitalist society… that common people now-a-days are becoming individualistic… nobody care, nobody dare of these street children
MABUTI PA ANG ASO NG MGA MAYAYAMAN MAY DESINTING TULUGAN
Thanks for sharing your thoughts; and for reading mine too :)
It's the government's and our responsibility to do something, even in our own little way. Cebu is a beautiful place, and people must do something to keep it that way.
it's just sad to see the oldest street this way. but it has been that way for a long time.
You're so right. Seeing that sleeping child breaks my heart. I heard pa nga na that's becoming a more common sight in the provinces (Cebu, Bacolod, etc.) sigh...
Good thing we can leverage on NGO's to get help through to them. :)
parang lahat ata naman ng busy city ganyan din kalagayan , kaya mas maganda pa talaga tumira sa province...kahit medyo malayo ang mall or walang malalaking building but the fresh air and the nature are closed to us.
It’s sad that in every progressive city, there is always this kind of scenarios.
Happy Weekend & Take Care!!!