Street urchins, often referred to as “batang hamog” or “batang yagit” in Tagalog, are sadly a common sight in many urban areas of the Philippines. These children come from impoverished backgrounds and often live on the streets due to a variety of reasons, including poverty, family issues, abuse, or neglect.
Life as a street urchin is incredibly challenging and dangerous. These children are exposed to numerous risks, including exploitation, violence, substance abuse, and involvement in criminal activities. Many of them resort to begging, scavenging, or petty theft in order to survive.
Various organizations and government agencies in the Philippines are working to address the issues faced by street children. Efforts include providing shelters, educational programs, rehabilitation services, and outreach initiatives aimed at reintegrating them into society and providing them with a better future.
However, despite these efforts, the problem persists due to the complex socioeconomic issues underlying the phenomenon of street children. Poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and social inequality are significant factors that contribute to the perpetuation of this issue. Long-term solutions require comprehensive approaches that address these root causes and provide sustainable support to vulnerable children and their families.