Manila Pulse Magazine: Hanap Buhay

MANILA PULSE

BUHAY

EX-PRISONER’S KARITON AFTER JEEPNEY CONSOLIDATION

NNE LOREIGN VICENTE

CONTRIBUTOR

JOHN GABRIEL YANZON

STEFFANI ELAISA SAMSON

JULIANNE LOREIGN VICENTE

MHARLA FRANCESCA SANTIANO

CALI ASAJAR

CZARINA MARI AGATON

AMIR KHALIL SIOSON

STEFFANI ELAISA SAMSON

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

AMIR KHALIL SIOSON

CZARINA MARI AGATON

MHARLA FRANCESCA SANTIANO

CALI ASAJAR

JULIANNE LOREIGN VICENTE

JOYCE ANN CABRAL

JOHN GABRIEL YANZON

Behind bars to carts: ‘Kariton’ gives Manila City Jail ex-prisoner a new beginning

THERE IS a saying that life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get For ex-drug offender Alex Eusebio, he never knew what he was going to get was a food cart as a second chance at life, despite his troubled past

Somewhere along what is deemed the old downtown in Quiapo, Manila, Eusebio appears to be like any other vendor, enticing thousands of locals and tourists to give his aromatic street foods and palamig a try.

But when roaming customers are greeted by the tarpaulin attached to his cart with words like “captive” and “jail” inscribed on it, it makes him stand out from the rest

As a former inmate at the Manila City Jail Male Dormitory (MCJMD), 41-year-old Eusebio thought he was done for Life after imprisonment was difficult to get back on track since he felt that nothing but a criminal record defined him as an individual.

“Medyo mahirap po kasi e, syempre, galing [ako] sa loob, walang magtitiwala na trabaho,” he said

(It’s hard because, of course, I just came from prison, no work would be entrusted to me )

Eusebio was only incarcerated for eight days; however, he had to undergo drug rehabilitation at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Sta Mesa, Manila for six months as part of his pleabargaining agreement

That’s why a food cart filled with P10,000 worth of street food as a means of livelihood was the last thing he expected to receive after being released

Initiated by Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC)

31 Presiding Judge Maria Solidum-Taylor, “Kariton ng Bagong Buhay at Pag-asa” (Pushcart of New Life and Hope), was launched on April 2 to give former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) a second lease of life Its beneficiaries are PDLs with drug-related cases that were lodged in Solidum-Taylor's sala.

“These are people; these are not [just] numbers in my docket They are real people, warm bodies, they have so many problems, and these are the poorest of the poor,” Taylor told the Manila Pulse.

Made of plywood, metal, and motorcycle wheels, the mobile livelihood unit was constructed by MCJMD inmates

All recipients of the aftercare program are given permits to start their food cart businesses in different corners of Manila

Eusebio, now in greener pastures, considers himself lucky to be able to sell in one of the busiest and most crowded places in the capital: Villalobos Street near Quiapo Church

“Sino ba naman ako? Ipu-pwesto ako sa lugar na ganito ‘yong mga puwesto po dito, napaka mahal. ‘Yong may mga pera lang talaga ang nakakapagpwesto dito,” he said

(Who am I to be stationed in a place where the spots are very costly? Those with a good sum of money are the only ones who can really secure a spot here )

“Pag Friday, Saturday, [at] Sunday, ang kita talaga dito is ‘di bumababa ng libo,” he continued

(Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the income here does not get any lower than a thousand.)

According to Taylor, if a recipient tests positive more than six times, the food cart will be confiscated

Light at the end

of tunnel

While Eusebio is thriving in his kariton venture, Taylor said not all can sustain the project, like another former inmate whose business failed in the face of hardships the inmate faced

Before his life as a detainee, Eusebio used to earn a living by selling street food in a stall in front of his home

“They are real people, warm bodies, they have so many problems, and these are the poorest of poor.”

Judge Maria Solidum-Taylor Regional Trial Court 31

So, when he was told that he could choose what kind of food he could sell, he did not hesitate to return to his old routine as this was his way of restoring a piece of him that he was “proud of ”

“Naging normal na po [ulit] ‘yong buhay ko, bumalik na po ako sa normal na pamumuhay,” he said, referring to his mother and siblings whom he can now support financially

(My life became normal again, I went back to the normal way of living.)

However, certain conditions need to be met to keep the kariton Beneficiaries, without prior notice, will be randomly visited by court staff for drug testing to ensure that there is no probability of relapse

Taylor said this inmate was the “driving force” for her to start the program after he personally sought her help after the police confiscated his unauthorized food cart, which was his only hope of feeding his wife and children after being released from jail

However, when she offered the kariton filled with food packs to Victor during its initial launch, it only took less than a week for him to abandon the business

Binabalik niya na ‘yong kariton kasi ’yong mga paninda pinakain sa mga anak Kasi nga, they are the poorest of the poor,” she said (He returned the food cart because he fed the food packs to his children instead As I’ve said, it’s because they are the poorest of the poor.)

Taylor stressed that the lack of drug treatment and rehabilitation centers (TRCs) for former drug users and the stigma associated with drug addiction are contributing factors to why people like Victor do not feel empowered to be “productive citizens” of society

On top of the scarcity of TRCs, according to the Department of Health, there are only 32 government rehabilitation centers available nationwide in 2023 These facilities are also short of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers providing professional care and services

Taylor said that some of her ex-detainees had been forced to wait for one to two more years before they were finally transferred to and accommodated in rehabilitation centers

“Drug addiction is not a crime; it is a recurring disease, a sickness that is curable but with the help not only of family members but the community as a whole,” the judge said

At the end of every tunnel, there is a light; and Taylor hopes that the kariton would serve as a vehicle towards a renewed life for more PDLs still in jail

“Naging okay ang relasyon ko sa pamilya ko, [at] okay na ang [pakikitungo] ko sa ibang tao Hindi ko po sasayangin ‘yong pagkakataon na ‘yon at tiwala na binigay sa akin,” Eusebio said

(I’m finally on good terms with my family, and my relationship with other people has become better. I will not take this opportunity and the trust that has been given to me for granted )

As of April 12, the kariton has been granted to four released PDLs, including Eusebio.

According to Taylor, she seeks to extend the aftercare to the Manila City Jail Female Dormitory this year Cali Asajar/Manila Pulse

Kwentong Barbierro: First queer barbershop advocates for safe space, inclusivity

By Mharla Francesca Santiano

IDENTIFIED AS the first queer barbershop in the Philippines, Barbierro Barbershop pushes for initiatives centered around the queer community as it recently opened its second branch in Laon Laan, Manila last April 20

One of the barbershop’s regular routines for its barbers is a SOGIESC (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics) training to firstly laminate their advocacy to their members

“The reason behind that is, as a male-dominated industry, not many barbers are familiar with SOGIESC It’s our way of making sure that they’re aware, they’re adept, and they can utilize also their knowledge on SOGIESC with their clients, even outside Barbierro Barbershop,” Paul Sumayao, one of Barbierro’s co-founders, told the Manila Pulse

The SOGIESC training sessions guide the staff on how to address clients properly, especially queer clients, through their preferred pronouns, honorifics, or titles Although sessions are only held twice a year, new employees must also attend additional courses

However, Sumayao and his co-founder and partner Jedi Directo struggle with finding resource speakers for the training drills

“Instead of us doing it ourselves, we want to make sure we get it from the experts or somebody who would train our barbers effectively,” he said.

The owners made sure to attend workshops and movements from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) groups such as Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Safe Spaces PH, Strands for Trans, and Everywhere is Queer, and Inclusive Philippines Business Summit to practice “equal access” despite not being experts

‘Giving back’

As part of Strands For Trans, a global network of hair, beauty, and wellness industries, the shop also aims to create and inspire positive experiences for all guests, especially those from the transgender community

“The idea really is to make sure that everybody is included in the table and basically no one is left behind, which is very much aligned to the spirit of inclusion that we have at Barbierro Barbershop,” Sumayao said

Resonating state of inclusivity, Barbierro implemented gender-neutral pricing on their services.

“We involved the community More of the community collaboration which is what is my core, and what our company’s core is as well,” Barbierro Barbershop Manila owner Buboy Borbe said, also citing that the shop hired street food vendors as caterers during their Manila branch opening

In 2023, Barbierro launched GUPITCREW, a bi-annual program that offers free haircut lessons and tools for marginalized LGBTQIA+ youth in local communities

Through a partnership with a company Sumayao refused to disclose, they are sponsoring eight students from a Laguna community for the program. The classes will be held at the first Barbierro branch in Biñan, Laguna

“It’s really our way of giving back to the community and especially to the out-ofschool trans and queer individuals who can’t really get jobs because they are being discriminated at school or in their workplace,” he said

Aside from consumers, the GUPITCREW barbers themselves will receive financial compensation, an upgrade on their tools and, work stations

Bridge the binary

Barbierro being queer-owned also plays an important role in maintaining a safe space for the queer community, according to Sumayao

“The influence of the barbershop’s owners on their employees and how they behave around their clients are a big factor We get to hold the narrative and we can correct microaggressions,” he said

Ricky Aquino, the first and only barber in the Manila branch thus far, expressed that Barbierro is different from other barbershops as it is “free from discrimination ”

Customers are free to disclose their preferred pronouns when they check the mirror and see the signage

“I think, visually, it is important that both barbers and clients are reminded of the openness and the message of inclusion It’s a deliberate way of letting the clients know that they can tell us their preferred pronouns, and we’re open to that,” Sumayao said

Besides the signages, QR codes for client feedback are provided in each station where they can “voice out” possible concerns

Despite these initiatives, Sumayao believes many still do not understand the concept of a queer barbershop He also recalled how the barbershop has been a hot topic last year on social media platforms, including X

“[Netizens said] we were claiming that we’re the first queer barbershop and that sort of invalidates the presence of salons owned by trans women or queer business owners,” he explained

But in an interview with ANCx in 2023, Sumayao said they are not discrediting other queer-owned salons and barbershops, emphasizing that haircuts are historically gendered salons are for women and barbershops are for men and he wanted to break that mold.

“When you say you are a queer-owned barbershop, it doesn’t mean automatically that, OK, you’re doing something for the community Yes, there’s visibility [and] representation, but it is not enough in these modern times You really have to fight back to claim your space ”

“That’s [also] kind of a roadblock when it comes to the hiring process because they can’t understand and categorize our concept for the barbershop which is, again, the idea is we want to disrupt the existing industry standards We want to be the space that bridges the binaries of salons and barbershops,” he said

Barbierro Barbershop offers a variety of services from styling, hair treatment, hair art, and haircuts ranging from P250 to P860

Located in Laon Laan Street, Manila, the second branch is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p m daily Manila Pulse

A gender-inclusive signage is placed to ask for customers’ preferred pronouns - Mhara Francesca Santiano/Manila Pulse

The newy opened Barbierro Barbershop branch in Manla had its grand openng last April 20 Barbierro is the first queer barbershop in the Phlppines- Mhara Francesca Santano/Manila Puse

Unconsolidated PUV drivers, operators plan to continue operationsbeyond deadline

NOW THAT the public utility vehicle (PUV) consolidation deadline has passed, jeepney drivers that did not consolidate franchise will be sanctioned; however, some transport groups said they will continue to stand their ground amid these threats

Transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) announced a three-day strike from April 29 to May 1, coinciding with the April 30 consolidation deadline and Labor Day to raise livelihood concerns

Jeepney driver Aren Lopez said he will continue to ply routes even beyond the consolidation period as he believes that they are not “at fault.”

"Pawis at dugo po ang ipinundar namin dito. Hindi namin basta ibibigay ‘to sa kanila (gobyerno) kasi dito nakagisnan namin na hanapbuhay," Lopez, who travels from Pasig to Pateros as his route, said.

(We invested our sweat and blood in here We will not give this up to them (government) that easily because this is the [kind of] livelihood that we became accustomed to )

By the second week of May, enforcers will start the issuance of traffic citation tickets and one-year suspension of driver’s license to drivers with “illegal” unconsolidated jeepneys, according to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III

Rep Raoul Manuel of Kabataan Partylist urged the transportation agency and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr administration to promulgate "humane” and “long-term" solutions

"Ang tigas talaga, pinanindigan talaga na pinipilit ‘yong ating mga jeepney driver na kumaloob sa mga kooperatiba o kooperasyon Halatang gano'n sila ka-detached sa kalagayan ng ordinaryong Pilipino na nag ko-commute," Manuel told the Manila Pulse

(They are so adamant, they really insisted on forcing our jeepney drivers to coalesce to cooperatives It’s obvious that they are so detached from the well-being of ordinary Filipino commuters )

The lawmaker said the youth sectoral party plans to persist in its “assertions” through committee hearings and petitions seeking temporary restraining orders

Aside from junking the mandatory consolidation and modernization program, other transport groups like Manibela are pushing for the resumption of the five-year franchise

"Naglulunsad kami ng ganito na welga para ipakita sa gobyerno na pinaglalaban namin [ang] pang hanapbuhay namin para sa pamilya," Armando Evangelista, president of Manibela Divisoria Unit, said.

(We hold protests like this to show the government how we fight for our livelihood and our families.)

Similarly, Evangelista decides not to cease from operating his traditional jeepney to support his family’s daily income

Illegal vehicles will be confiscated, while operators will face a P50,000 penalty as declared by the LTFRB chair Julianne Loreign Vicente/Manila Pulse

Through ashes and rubbles: Paco victims grapple with fire tragedy

By Amir Khalil Sioson

VENDORS AND residents are clinging to what little was left of their homes and means of livelihood after a five-alarm fire engulfed the bustling area of Paco, Manila last Saturday, April 20

According to Bureau of Fire Protection-Manila Fire District (BFP-MFD) deputy district fire marshal Leo Andiso, the fire affected approximately 14 commercial and residential spaces and 50 individuals, causing damage amounting to P15 6M

Multiple sources told the Manila Pulse that the fire broke out in a clothing store near Paco Market, where it eventually spread to other buildings, including Paco Catholic School (PCS), due to highly combustible materials that caused a “chain reaction ”

“Kung titignan mo ‘yong height ng apoy, kaya umabot doon sa 10th floor ng eskwelahan dahil sa sobrang combustibility content niya Imagine mo naman kung mga plastic at tsaka linoleum o kaya may mga paninda doon [na] kung ano-ano,” he said

(If you look at the fire’s height, it reached the school’s 10th floor because of the combustibility content Imagine the plastic and linoleum or all sorts of merchandise there )

But for others, property damage is not the only misfortune to grieve for as renovations are normally time-bound

Persisting in making ends meet is another struggle, an indefinite one at that, for vendors like RJ Baurel, who is currently seeking a new job after his stall was wiped out

“Ang nangyari dito ay biglaan hindi rin namin alam Kami ay naghahanap ng ikabubuhay Pare-parehas rin kami nagulat at na-shock kung bakit nangyari ang ganito Parang delubyo nga po ‘yan,” Baurel, a fish seller that resides along Brgy 679 in Paco, said

(What happened here was sudden we don’t know We are looking for a source of income All of us were in disbelief and shocked about why this happened It was like a calamity )

His family had to evacuate immediately to avoid another tragedy, which was the risk of leaving his children behind

“[H]indi pwedeng isusugal mo sarili mo para manood ka lang [at] para magkaro’n ka ng kwento Kaya lumayo ka na lang para walang disgrasyang mangyayari ‘Yon, kwento na lang ‘yon, bukas mo na lang alamin para makaiwas ka sa disgrasya,” he said

(I can’t risk my life just to watch and have a story to tell later So just get away to prevent accidents from happening That’s just a story you ought to know the next day to avoid accidents )

SPECIAL REPORTS

While Baurel failed to save any of their belongings and stocks, he was still “thankful” that no one was seriously injured despite the aftermath that lies

No severe casualties were reported among the victims; however, the BFP reported one laceration casualty from its volunteer Although no one from her family got hurt, Paco resident Ana Flores is in despair of being unable to retrieve their belongings as she was not home when the fire started

Due to the scarcity of necessities, Flores had no choice but to rely on the barangay’s provision of temporary shelters

Meanwhile, the Manila Department of Social Welfare assisted the victims in the areas with food and toiletries

BACK TO ZERO’

As authorities’ investigation is still rolling, the victims await clarity and support to rebuild their lives amid adversity

Vendor Camal Magondacan built makeshift tents along the vicinity to continue his business and recover from the catastrophe

The heat and unfortunate outcomes of the fire did not hinder Magondacan from returning to work, less than a week after the incident took place

Meanwhile, general merchandise seller Abdullah Sulaiman contemplates how he would restart his life after the disaster, especially now that the estimated damage of his stall ranges from P1M to P1 3M

“Nawala na nga lahat, pati pwesto mawawala ‘Yon ang problema Ang hirap magsimula ng ibang lugar, ibang mukha, [at] ibang kapitbahay na naman,” he said

(We’ve lost everything, [and] we may even lose our spot That’s the problem It’s difficult to start in a different place, with different faces, and new neighbors again )

Despite uncertainties that lie ahead, Sulaiman still chose to stay in Paco as his family awaits their landlord’s decision to revive the stall

“Back to zero Ika nga nila, sabi ng mga matanda, ‘di bali na lang ma-holdap, ‘di bali na lang manakawan, huwag lang masunugan; dahil pag nasunugan ka, para kang bagong panganak,’ na magsisimula [sa] lahat-lahat,” he added

(Back to zero As the elders say, ‘it’s better to be robbed, it’s better to be stolen from, just do not be a victim of a fire Because when there is a fire, it’s like being born anew,’ you’ll start from scratch ”) Manila Pulse

Vctims of the fire from commercia area in Paco, Mania search through the rubble on Thursday, Aprl 25 in hopes of savagng what remains of their beongngs

- Amir Khail Soson/Mania Pulse

A place for local cuisine and motherly cooking

AS MOTHER’S Day draws near, Luneta Park’s latest food spot Philippine Eatsperience brought home motherly cuisine as its stalls are primarily composed of mothers as the crew

Nostalgia of childhood emanates in the historic park as customers are greeted with delectable Filipino foods and desserts served by mothers who add a hint of homeliness in their cooking

Nurturing the “maternal nature” are Eatsperience staff Fatima Remegio, Maricar Fundador, and Ruena Clavo who consider each customer their “child,” embracing them with a warm welcome

“’Pag nakausap mo sila, ‘oh ano, gusto mo ba nito?’ parang anak mo na talaga sila,” Fundador said as endorsing their cuisine to tourists feels as “fulfilling” as preparing their children food at home

(When you talk to them, 'Oh, do you like this?' They are really like our own children )

Since “amiability” is a two-way street in the workplace, the staff said they enjoy interacting with younger customers as they do not feel different from them despite the “generational gap ”

“I-e-entertain ka nila minsan habang sila’y kumakain [at] bumibili Masarap naman sa pakiramdam na parang kinikilala ka nila Na-eenjoy naman namin na parang hindi naman sila iba sa amin pagkagusto nila makipagkwentuhan or nagtatanong, nakikipag usap,” Remegio said

(They will entertain you sometimes while they eat [and] buy. It feels nice that they are trying to get to know us personally We enjoy it as if they are no different from us when they want to chatter, ask questions, or talk )

Meanwhile, the mother workers “eagerly” await instructions on how Philippine Eatsperience will be commemorating Mother’s Day on May 12

Remegio, a mother of two, feels thankful that there is a special day celebrating their efforts as mothers, saying the tradition makes her feel like a “pivotal figure” of the community

“Masarap sa pakiramdam na may––halimbawa, ‘yong mga anak mo na bibigyan ka ng pagkakataon na batiin ka o i-celebrate 'yong bilang ikaw ang kanilang ina Parang masarap sa pakiramdam na may babati sa‘yo 'Happy Mother's Day, I love you, mama ” kahit once a year lang,” she said

(It feels good to have––for example, your children could greet you or celebrate the fact that you are their mother It feels good to have someone greet you 'Happy Mother's Day, I love you, mama ’ even if it's just once a year )

The Philippine Eatsperience is the newest food tourism program under the Department of Tourism that offers local cuisine to promote the value of native culture and gastronomy in the Philippines

The program’s branches, located at the Noli Me Tangere Garden in Luneta and the Baluarte Plano de Santa Isabel in Intramuros, Manila, are open from 7 a m to 10 p m on Thursday to Sunday and 7 a m to 5 p m daily, respectively John Gabriel Yanzon/Manila Pulse

ironmentalist says artificial appreciation,’ ses its urbanization

C cooler than the actual heat index in Manila, the gained various support from the public, yet an hype as an “artificial appreciation ”

Dubbed as “Manila’s last lung,” a security personnel told the Manila Pulse that the 2 71-hectare nature park has garnered an average of 1,500 visitors a day after News5 revealed last April 24 that it was 36°C cooler than the city’s 41°C heat index, which is the temperature that the body feels

While its growing popularity is a “good thing,” Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society Inc former president Menie Odulio urged people not only to admire Arroceros at face value but to view it as a “learning tool” to conserve existing forests

“The tagline ‘last lung of Manila,’ it’s a nice [and] catchy tagline that hopefully will make people look deeper into why this is happening ‘Why do we say it's the last lung?’ And then hopefully that will make people start thinking about the next step,” Odulio told the Manila Pulse

“You know, that’s the problem with social media, it’s really all the likes and so on that sometimes make it an artificial appreciation,” Odulio added

The environmentalist hopes for the people to learn about the park critically, considering that it has faced several controversies over the years

“You know, that’s the problem with social media, it’s really all the likes and so on that sometimes make it [Arroceros Forest Park] an artificial appreciation.”

Menie Odulio

Former president of Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society Inc. In an interview with Manila Pulse on Arroceros Park

History of Arroceros

After ex-mayor Joseph Estrada attempted to replace the park with a gymnasium, succeeding mayor Isko Moreno signed Ordinance No 8607, converting Arroceros from regular city property to a permanent forest park The ordinance forbids “excavation, disposal of waste, and tree-cutting" in the designated area

However, more issues were raised shortly after Moreno implemented a redevelopment plan in 2021 to “beautify” the park with more tourist-friendly features, including elevated pathways, play areas, koi ponds, and exhibit panels

The proposal gained a surprise reaction from Arroceros Forest Park Governing Committee, one of the park’s stakeholders, as they were not informed of the project, which was a violation of the ordinance

informed of the project, which was a violation of the ordinance

Odulio expressed that urbanizing the park into a tourist attraction diverts its “original” purpose of being a natural habitat that sprouted “on its own "

“We had no choice, we had to compromise because it was already there By the time we got there, they already had the walkways, they were just going to put the tiles and such, so whatever infrastructure changes they were making, they had already made,” she said

Later, the Parks Development Office (PDO) took over management since Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna’s term in 2022

Odulio reiterated the ordinance’s provision mandating the local government unit (LGU) to be in constant dialogue with the park’s stakeholders, but the office was supposedly “not interested ”

In good hands?

Contrary to Odulio’s sentiments, Arroceros Forest Park officer-in-charge Gideon Navarro believes the redevelopment was “beneficial ”

“Tingin ko mas napabuti ang pag develop, ‘no? Kung baga, mas maraming bisita kung mas maraming makaka-appreciate sa nature kaysa bare itself na lumang Arroceros,” Navarro told the Manila Pulse

(I think the development brought improvements, right? In the sense that there would be more visitors when more people appreciate nature instead of bare itself the old Arroceros.)

Despite the El Niño phenomenon, Navarro assured that the park is “in good hands” as the trees and plants are being watered and monitored regularly, while native and exotic plants are cultivated to maximize vacant spaces.

Similarly, the PDO seeks to strengthen environmental protection in Manila by expanding vertical plants to the city’s walls and surfaces

While Odulio commended the LGU’s efforts to provide more shade against the extreme heat, she claimed that its “organic essence” is almost unrecognizable since the plants are no longer growing “naturally ”

The environmentalist advised PDO to not restrict its actions to “man-made solutions” alone as natural regeneration is also vital to combat climate change and heat-related illnesses

“When you enter inside, there are certain parts of the forests, even before, you really feel [that you are] in a forest, but with the redevelopment, at least it's an area where there's no distraction I think our message should be, ‘We should protect whatever existing forests we have,’ and then try to increase our forest cover again,” Odulio said

Established in 1993, the Arroceros Forest Park is home to over 60 tree species and 8,000 ornamental plants

The green esplanade is adjacent to Pasig River in Ermita, Manila, operating from 7 a m to 5 p m daily Manila Pulse

A Parks Development Office worker waters the plants at the Arroceros Forest Park under a ray of sunlight on Thursday, May 2 - Cali Asajar/Manila Pulse

An elevated pathway stands tall at the center of the Arroceros Forest Park, providing visitors a bird‘s eye view of the green area - Cali Asajar/Manila Pulse

E-trike drivers voice frustrations, E-trike drivers voice frustrations, call for fairness on NCR e-vehicle ban call for fairness on NCR e-vehicle ban

SOME ELECTRIC tricycle (e-trike) drivers at Quiapo, Manila expressed their discontent over Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) prohibition of electric vehicles (e-vehicles) on national roads in Metro Manila on April 13, two days before the ban officially took effect

They said that the ban would significantly impact their livelihood as e-trike drivers, emphasizing the difficulty of completing necessary documents for their vehicles, as well as the ban’s “unfair” regulation

“Ito lang po ‘yong alam naming hanapbuhay po Hindi ko rin po matatanggap na mawawala ‘yong panghanapbuhay po namin,” 23-year-old e-trike driver Ronnie Boy Borja said

(This is the only job we know I can’t accept that our source of income will be gone )

Borja added that being an e-trike driver helped him sustain his family and pay his bills

“Jason Lopez, 41, an e-trike driver for more than a decade, also opposed the ban, adding that complying with the required documents to operate an e-trike is costly

Bukod sa gagastos ka pa, napakaraming gustong kumuha, hindi rin makakuha Ang hirap ng paglakadlakad ng mga papeles,” he said

Besides spending so much money, there are also drivers who want to obtain all the necessary documents, but they are not able to It’s difficult to finish all the paperwork )

Lopez added that instead of strict regulations, e-trike drivers should be given protected routes to prevent incidents

According to MMDA’s Memorandum Circular 04, one of the penalties is “impoundment, seizure and confiscation of motor vehicle, in case the vehicle is not registered and/or the driver has no license ”

E-trike driver Eiman Liwan, 25, however, said that he agrees with the prohibition of e-vehicles, but stated that the ban was unfair

Ang masakit lang po sa amin ‘yong [mga] e-trike ng Maynila katulad din po sa amin ‘yon e, three wheels po e ‘yon lang daw ang hindi iba-ban ‘Yong sa amin lang ang banned Hindi pala patas dito sa Maynila,” he said

(What hurts me is that the e-trikes of Manila that are just the same as ours won’t be banned Only our etrikes are banned It’s not fair in Manila

Liwan added that even though he has completed all the required documents for his e-trike, traffic officers still penalize him and his fellow drivers, but not e-trikes under the Manila Local Government Unit’s (LGU) etrike program

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said in a press conference on April 17 that LGUs have authority to decide if e-vehicles are allowed in routes that are not listed in the memorandum

‘Embrace and Integrate’

In a press release on Feb 28, Artes also stated that e-vehicles should be regulated because they have been a “common cause of traffic and road crash incidents ”

But Move As One (MAO) Coalition Active Transport Sector Lead Cristina Balla told the Manila Pulse on April 16 that the ban is unnecessary if MMDA’s goal was to reduce road incidents, citing the agency’s 2022 annual report with only about 2% of all road crashes involved bikes e-bikes and pedicabs while 52% involved cars

“They say it’s increasing, however, there’s obviously a huge bias to creating negative propaganda on two and three-wheelers,” she added

Batalla also stated that the prohibition is “anti-poor” and creates an impression that e-bikes are dangerous, fostering “unfair biases” on e-vehicles as modes of transportation

“These transport modes help me and so many other people who don’t want to buy a private car, but to get around very easily So, by having these kinds of bans, it’s really doing us more harm than good,” the sector lead explained

According to Batalla, one solution is “to embrace and integrate, not to overregulate” through proper categorization of e-vehicles and other modes of transportation

“Doon sa mga naging guidelines ng LTO (Land Transportation Office) and MMDA, very vague ang categories nila Hindi malinaw kung ano ba talaga ‘yong mga transport modes na tinutukoy nila,” she said

LTO and MMDA’s guidelines on the categories of the vehicles were very vague It does not clearly state what vehicles are being indicated )

She emphasized that the vehicles should be categorized according to their speed, weight, whether licensing and helmets are required for a particular vehicle, data collection standards, and the like

Batalla also discussed that a “paradigm shift” is needed to prioritize the movement of people, instead of the movement of motor vehicles, stressing that the climate should also be considered

“The more that we promote motor vehicles over active transport and mass transit, mas lalong nag-iincrease ‘yong carbon emissions, nag-wo-worsen ‘yong polusyon sa syudad, [at] lumalala ang init,” she explained

(The more we promote motor vehicles over transport and mass transit, carbon emissions will increase, pollution in the city will worsen, as well as the heat

Batalla raised concerns about the government’s lack of consultation with active transport advocacy groups like PISTON, Make It Safer Movement, and MAO at the traffic town hall on April 10

However, she clarified that she has no problem if MMDA decided to consult with other civil society organizations provided that there would be an inclusive discussion

“Ang mas concern namin is kaninong boses ba ang napapakinggan diyan? Kaninong mga karanasan ang sinasali? Doon sa Traffic Summit, OK, nand’on lahat ng mga concerned government officials pero mayroon bang ginagawang espasyo ang MMDA na pakinggan ang mismong mga e-trike and e-bike users?” the sector lead said

According to Batalla, participatory governance can achieve a safe and inclusive transportation system

“It’s the kind of governance that encourages participation, is transparent, and is accountable to the public, and this is not what MMDA has been practicing despite its mandates,” she said

Besides electric bicycles, e-trikes, and other e-vehicles, all tricycles, pushcarts, pedicabs, and kuligligs (two-wheeled tractors) are also prohibited from plying national roads and thoroughfares in Metro Manila

The e-vehicle ban became effective on April 15 Mharla Francesca Santiano/Manila Pulse

E-trike drivers queue along Paterno Street in Quiapo Mania to wat for passengers on April 13 - Mharla Francesca Santano/Mania Pulse

Long overdue na ang wage hike para sa ating mga manggagawa. Ang P150 na wage hike, bagama’t isang step ‘yon pero hindi pa rin sapat sa kanila.

Temporary employment for seniors:

‘short-term’ solution ‘short-term’ solution‘short-term’ solution

AN ORDINANCE mandating fast food chains to provide temporary employment to older people, may have debunked myths claiming that retirement ends life’s productivity However, some working senior citizens think it is still too “short-lived ”

Ordinance No 8598, which requires fast food chains, such as Jollibee Food Corp , to employ at least two senior citizens and one person with disabilities (PWD) per branch in Manila, is not seeking to grant the former regular employment soon

“Meron lang until three months Hindi sila nare-regularize kasi nga yung age nila diba? Yung PWD, there is a possibility na mag re-regularize kasi okay ang performance [at] maganda yung feedback,” Vilma Capellan, administrative officer of the Office of the Mayor, told Manila Pulse

(It is only up to three months They are not regularized because of their age, right? However, PWDs have a possibility that they would be regularized because their performance is okay, [and] they receive positive feedback )

According to Capellan, PWDs receive a five-month contract with the possibility of permanent employment based on their performance However, seniors can only work for three months at a daily minimum wage

The 73-year-old Manuel Zabala, currently working as customer relations staff in a Chowking branch at SM Manila, shared his hopes of extending the contract for working senior citizens like him since re-applying would be “too time-consuming ”

“Sana palawigin nila yung program at saka sana mas marami pang tumanggap na establishment sa mga seniors at PWDs para halimbawa, katulad ko, tapos na ako rito ng three months eh, tapos malakas ako gusto ko pa mag trabaho,” Zabala stated, as his contract would be valid until April 16 only

(I hope they would extend the program and more establishments would accept seniors and PWDs because, for instance, like me, my employment here is done after three months, but I am still fit enough I still want to work )

(When someone enters, [we have] to greet, and if there are many customers, [we just have] to collect their plates.)

“Mgaa manager ko mababait; hindi nila nire-require humawak ng mabibigat. Kapag nakita nilang marami akong hawak na mabigat, tatawag agad yan, at sasabihin na tulungan kami. Ang turing nila samin ay parang tatay na,” he added, highlighting the familial bond within the workplace

He emphasized his desire to continue working, citing the simplicity of his duties and the lenient working conditions.

“Kapag may papasok, babatiin; at kapag marami na ang tao, tatanggalin lang yung mga pinagkainan,” Zabala described.

(My managers are kind; they do not require me to lift heavy things When they caught me holding something heavy, they would call a fellow staff member to help me They treat me like a father )

Zabala wishes to extend his work contract to at least four months and take a two-month break before returning, adding that this could be his source of pastime since his daughter is already living independently

“Hindi nga pwede malaman ng anak ko na nag tra-trabaho pa ako kasi ayaw niya; patitigilin niya ako,” he articulated

(My daughter cannot know that I am still working because she is against it; she would make me quit.)

Although the seniors’ contracts can be regulated solely by the food company’s discretion, administrative officer Capellan said this happens on “very rare occasions” due to a “first come, first served” policy

“Kapsi, diba ikaw, eto ka, nag apply, marami pang nakapila diyan sa inyo So, to give chance to other senior citizens, kaya yung iba nagsasabi, ‘Kelan kami tatawagan?’ Hindi pa kasi natatapos yung contract ng iba,” Capellan explained

(When you apply, a line behind you waits for them to be hired So, to give other senior citizens a chance, this is why others say, “When will we be called back?” because others’ contracts still have not expired )

According to her, seniors and PWDs who apply must undergo an initial screening before they are advised to wait for three months, at best, for the application process

Upon receiving a callback, applicants must undergo a free medical examination, police clearance, drug test, and vaccination to ensure they are physically fit to work before the company endorses them.

As of March 4, Jollibee Food Corp has employed 207 senior citizens and 118 PWDs in Manila S E Samson/Manila Pulse

MANILA CITY Hall’s Go Manila, a mobile app that offers digital access to all financial services customarily provided onsite, is continuously upgrading its systems to make the application multi-featured and more user-friendly.

The city government seeks to develop Manila into a “Smart City,” a technologically equipped community that utilizes digital transformation to foster self-reliant citizens

“As time goes by, we want to, as much as we could, cater all transactions ayon ‘yong end goal Basically, what you see in [the Manila] City Hall is what we want to offer in Go Manila,” Marco Abad, officer-in-charge of the computer services of the treasury department, told the Manila Pulse

(As time goes by, we want to, as much as we could, cater all transactions that is the end goal. Basically, what you see in [the Manila] City Hall is what we want to offer in Go Manila.)

The City of Manila’s official website describes Go Manila as the official mobile app that offers remote financial services with a more “diverse” mode of payment, it’s not just for the constituents of Manila but also to its global users, making it a convenient tool for anyone needing remote financial services

“Maraming natulungan, kasi may ibang tao raw na galing abroad or probinsya na lumuluwas raw ng Manila para mag bayad ng tax, kaso dahil sa Go Manila, pwede na online,” the officer-in-charge said

(It has helped a lot, because some people who came from abroad or the provinces traveled to Manila to pay their taxes. But because of Go Manila, it can already be done online.)

Abad said Go Manila can assist those unfamiliar with the digital portal's features, offering a comprehensive support system, including modules, video tutorials, onsite tutors, and hotlines through calls, text, and email, ensuring that users can navigate the app with ease

He added that the users of Go Manila are diverse, especially regarding business permits from all age brackets, citing 2022 data that revealed the process of getting and renewing business permits, which was 100% completed through the mobile app

“We want it to be the most user-friendly we could give it kasi para maging madali for everyday [use] If it could be done in one, two [or] three clicks, gagawin namin ‘yon,” he explained

(We want it to be the most user-friendly we could give it, so that it can be easy for everyday [use]. If it could be done in one, two, [or] three clicks, we would do it.)

Go Manila is operated by the computer services department of the city hall. It was launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic on July 11, 2020.

The digital platform was initiated by former Manila mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, but was sped up due to the COVID-pandemic when financial concerns could only be accommodated remotely

Abad said continuous improvement on the basic features of the mobile app and the publication of more manuals are some of the augmentations its users can look forward to Joyce Ann Cabral/Manila Pulse

The Go Manila Website and Applicaton are avaiable in digita devices, where users can easily complete their fnancial requrements in ust a few clicks - Joyce Ann Cabral/Manla Puse

Exploring the streets: Homeless Filipinos search for amidst struggles

‘‘hope’ hope’

SHELTERED ALONG the busy streets of Manila, homeless Filipinos search for hope to provide their daily necessities amidst the struggles

At the age of 76, Dolores Ticala still regularly walks around Manila near Recto and Morayta to find a job despite being partially paralyzed

Ticala used to live alone at Palmera Street in Legarda but was “kicked out” by the landlord as she could not afford to pay the rent

She had no choice but to live outdoors for three decades with no relative to support her.

"Awa ng Diyos, kumikita ako dito 200, 300 sa panlilimos Wala na [trabaho] kasi baldado na ako," Ticala said

(It is with God’s grace that I earn 200 to 300 from money offerings since I can no longer work due to my disabled body)

Her physical condition does not stop her from seeking other livelihood opportunities, yet coin offerings from people remain her source of income

"Ang pension ko 500 Ano gagawin sa 500 sa senior citizen? Sa gamot ko lang, ang mahal-mahal na; maintenance ko, sobrang mahal," Ticala said

(My pension as a senior citizen is only 500 What will I do with 500? My maintenance medicines are already too expensive.)

Echoing the same concern, Florentino Mabulac Alias can only rely on alms from students, jeepney drivers, and customers from a convenience store in España where he usually resides

lias used to be a mason-finishing, before the pandemic where he always had a packed schedule

Although he hoped to have an advantage from his years of construction experience, he still failed to land another job

"Ganito pa rin, walang pagbabago, paulit-ulit lang [pero] umaasa pa rin,” Alias said

(Nothing changes Everything repeats the same, but I’m still hoping for the future )

In 2023, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) started a program entitled “Oplan Pag-Abot: Reaching out, Rebuilding lives”, which aims to cater those who are living in the streets

“The project aims to reduce the risk and vulnerabilities of children, individuals and families in the street situations through provision of various interventions, services and opportunities, improve social status, and fulfill fundamental rights for them to live productively in a safe, supportive and enabling environment,” the DSWD memorandum read

Further details about the program can be found on the DSWD PH Assistance website under the DSWD Oplan Pag-Abot Program

Hurdles in between

The slum areas have never been easy to live in, especially during natural disasters like floods, landslides, earthquakes, etc

For a married couple Danilo Javier, 61, and Leny Javier, 48, dealing with typhoons was the most difficult experience of being homeless since 1997

They must look for a high place to stay for days or even weeks, which is a struggle for people who don’t have vehicles like them.

“Nakaranas kami ng bagyo dito Sisilong kami sa mga building Naranasan namin na kahit ang hirap, pagsubok ‘yon, ‘di ba?” Danilo said

“Nakaranas kami ng bagyo dito Sisilong kami sa mga building Naranasan namin na kahit ang hirap, pagsubok ‘yon, ‘di ba?” Danilo said

(We experienced typhoons here where we go to buildings to take shelter Even though it is hard, it is only a hurdle in life, right?)

Meanwhile, her wife shared that getting sick was also hard, especially that they are getting old without proper medications

Leny remains hopeful from their collected alms that they saved in case they need to buy medicines like Biogesic

Similar to the challenge of heavy rains, Ticala only relied on a small umbrella used for stalls even though it was not enough to cover her

It was also hard for her to deal with people who are "disgusted” whenever she asks for coins, so she just made a sign board.

Dolores Ticala has lived in different areas of Manila for three decades but finds a home in Morayta with her “partner in life”, her dog - Julianne Loreign Vicente/Manila Pulse

However, she still prefers to live in the streets given there is more “free w rather than living in a home for the ages

"Home for the aged sa Marikina, nadanas ko na Wala, mas masarap pa, a mag palimos [kasi] makakakain ka; kesa makulong ka, wala naman pagkain mo mahahanap anong gusto mo,” she said

(Based on my experience in home for the ages in Marikina, it’s still better to a beggar since you can eat freely, rather than being locked up with no foo You can do whatever you want )

After a stranger unknowingly pulled her out from the place, she went back Manila––still displaced.

According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing by the Philipp Statistics Authority (PSA), a total of 57,281 Filipinos are in relocation are while 12,615 were considered homeless

In the same data, it was reported that over 60 percent of the homeless reside Metro Manila as of the 2020 Census

‘Inaccessible’ processes

Due to the fire in Las Piñas that destroyed their residence, Alias was not able save any documents since he was also at work when the incident happened

These lost documents affected his opportunities today where he could have stable life, according to him

"Walang hanap buhay kasi maraming kelangan ano eh mga police clearance, NBI, mga documents," Alias said.

(I have no occupation since there are lots of requirements to accomplish from police clearance, NBI, or other documents )

Document rights were also Ticala’s concern since she has PhilHealth benefits, yet she still did not gain rights due to her loss of income

Based on the PSA Helpline requirements, employers require applicants to submit general requirements such as PSA birth certificate, official transcript of records, NBI clearance, PhilHealth number, Tax identification number, NBI clearance, medical certificate, medical clearance, etc

The long and complicated processes might not be easily understood, which makes another factor “inaccessible” as they echoed

Danilo felt that everything was “insufficient” since they could not even afford to pay for the registrations of the aforementioned documents

“Wala pag-asa ‘pag walang hanap-buhay Wala ka makakakain kung ‘di ka magtatiyaga sa ganito [panlilimos],” he said

(For me, there is no hope if you don’t have a job You cannot provide food for yourself if you won’t be hardworking )

Even with the loss of a stable source of income, they still hope that the small amount of alms everyday will nurture to a bigger foundation of future by trusting their continuous “perseverance ”

Clearing operations

The Department of the Interior and Local Government released a memorandum circular in 2019 regarding the clearing operations of roads including the City of Manila, which aims to remove illegal structures like street vendors who are also homeless and commonly resides in Divisoria

SPECIAL REPORTS

Former Manila mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno assured that this is to ensure a “clean and organized community” as the city needs to be put back in order

Beggars like Alias and Ticala said otherwise as their temporary place and things were taken by those in power like barangay chairmans

“Minsan natutulog kami, hinuhuli kami Utos daw ng gobyerno, bawal daw,” Alias said, noting that their personal information was also asked by personnel.

(There are times when we are awakened and arrested since the government ordered to do so )

Given the nature of their livelihood, they will either find a new place to stay or go back to their temporary areas even after being dislodged

According to the Javier couple, the DSWD is sometimes in control of captivating people in the streets, wherein they will provide a temporary shelter for them in Marikina, but not all of them still receive equal support

“Dederetsyuhin ko, wala naman ano ‘yang gobyerno natin eh Basta may pambayad lang ako ng bahay, makakabalik ako sa bahay Talagang pera, pera pambayad ng bahay,” Ticala said

(The government does nothing If I have money for house rent, I can go back to my place.)

Contrary to what Ticala feels, others still “wished” for someone like the government to provide houses or a better system for the homeless

Homelessness is caused by various reasons from employment loss, insufficient income, loss of home due to disasters as the international nonprofit Borgen Project cited

While different stories are shared by homeless Filipinos, one goal surrounds them––the flames of hope lit continuously amidst the struggles of living in the streets – Manila Pulse

The slum areas of Manila, particularly in Recto and España, has become a home for married couple Danilo and Leny Javier for the last two decades - Julianne Loreign Vicente/Manila Pulse