Beyond Reaction to Real Solutions

The recent headlines from Iloilo City paint a disturbing picture. The apprehension of 19 minors after a gang brawl at ICC Gaisano, the stabbing at Jaro Plaza, and the grim discoveries of abandoned infants across the city are not isolated incidents. They are stark symptoms of a deeper societal ailment, demanding more than just swift reactions; they necessitate a fundamental shift towards proactive and systemic change.

While Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu’s administration has responded with commendable speed in convening meetings and reactivating programs, these actions, while necessary, feel like attempts to apply band-aids to gaping wounds. Iloilo City, known for its vibrant culture and burgeoning progress, must confront the shadows that are now so visibly lengthening over its young.

The reactivation of the “Batang Pandilla Program,” a joint initiative aimed at addressing gang activity, is a welcome step. However, the question lingers: why was such a crucial program allowed to become dormant in the first place? As we reported, this initiative follows a six-phase framework, from identification to long-term monitoring – a comprehensive approach on paper. Yet, its necessity now underscores a failure in sustained engagement and prevention. We must move beyond a cycle of crisis response and program reactivation. Real solutions demand consistent investment and unwavering commitment to preventative measures within schools, barangays, and communities.

Equally alarming is the surge in child abandonment cases. The discovery of two fetuses and a newborn boy within a single week is a heart-wrenching indictment of the desperation and lack of support faced by some of our most vulnerable citizens. Mayor Treñas-Chu’s appeal to parents to surrender unwanted children to care facilities is a compassionate plea. However, it raises critical questions about the support systems available before such desperate measures are even considered. Where are the accessible and non-judgmental resources for individuals facing unplanned pregnancies? Are our reproductive health services adequately funded and readily available, particularly to the most marginalized communities? An appeal, while well-intentioned, does not address the systemic failures that lead to such tragic outcomes.

The case of the 25-year-old woman who abandoned her newborn, with authorities suspecting potential mental health issues, further highlights a critical blind spot: the pervasive lack of accessible and destigmatized mental health support. Gang involvement among youth can often stem from a search for belonging, a response to feelings of alienation and hopelessness – all potential indicators of underlying mental health challenges. Similarly, the sheer desperation leading to child abandonment suggests immense psychological distress. Iloilo City needs to prioritize investment in mental health infrastructure, from community-based support systems to accessible professional help. Without addressing the underlying emotional and psychological burdens, reactive measures against gang violence and appeals against abandonment will only scratch the surface of these complex issues.

These crises also point to a potential weakening of foundational support systems: the family and the barangay. While the city government’s efforts are crucial, they cannot replace the fundamental roles of parents and communities in nurturing and safeguarding children. The fact that police are returning apprehended minors to their parents underscores the expectation that the family unit is a primary source of guidance. However, the very existence of these youth in gangs suggests a breakdown in this fundamental structure for some. Similarly, the Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children (BCPCs) are mandated to be the first line of defense for children’s welfare at the grassroots level. Are these councils adequately resourced, trained, and empowered to effectively address issues of gang recruitment, child neglect, and family support within their communities? A critical evaluation of the functionality and effectiveness of BCPCs is urgently needed.

Iloilo City prides itself on its progress and development. Yet, true progress cannot be measured solely by economic indicators or infrastructure projects. It must be reflected in the well-being and security of all its citizens, especially its youth. The juxtaposition of Iloilo’s positive image with these stark realities demands a critical self-assessment. Are we inadvertently creating a city of contrasts, where progress for some masks the growing vulnerabilities of others?

Moving forward, Iloilo City needs to shift its focus from primarily reactive measures to building robust, proactive systems. This includes:

• Sustained and adequately funded preventative programs within schools and communities to address the root causes of gang involvement.
• Comprehensive and easily accessible reproductive health services, coupled with support for individuals facing unplanned pregnancies.
• Significant investment in mental health infrastructure and awareness campaigns to destigmatize seeking help.
• Strengthening and empowering Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children with adequate resources and training.
• Exploring and implementing innovative solutions such as anonymous safe surrender sites for infants, ensuring the safety of newborns while addressing the desperate circumstances of parents.

Mayor Treñas-Chu’s leadership is vital, but addressing these deeply entrenched issues requires a whole-of-society approach, as her initial statement acknowledged. It demands collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, religious groups, schools, families, and the community at large. The shadows over Iloilo’s youth will not dissipate with reactive measures alone. It is time for the City of Love to demonstrate its commitment to its most vulnerable by building a robust and proactive safety net that truly protects and nurtures its future generations. Only