Watch your bike boys

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor CEDELF P. TUPAS Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

Parking attendants, watch-your-car-boys, what-have-you - whatever you may call these ubiquitous boys in the city of Dumaguete - have, for some time been regarded as "necessary evils" because of their methods of coercing vehicular owners to hire them through what appear to be acts of extortion, or even blackmail.

That is why this recent idea in Dumaguete City of tapping out-of-school youths to perform such services in a supervised way is quite an inspiration. Now these boys, aside from watching over parked vehicles in designated places in the downtown area, also help reduce the incidence of street crimes by reporting illegal acts to the proper authorities. Sometimes, they even help run after snatchers.

Today, to "legitimize" their existence, these boys have been organized in a group called the "Watch Your Bike Brothers." It is composed of out-of-school youths aged 9 to 25, but may include men in their thirties. It was formed primarily to reduce street crimes and to give these youths a decent means of livelihood.

All members of the organization are provided with IDs and T-shirts so that people can easily recognize them. The city government of Dumaguete is also giving opportunities to interested members who are willing to acquire a formal education. Aside from the tips that they earn as parking attendants, they also undergo free seminars on values, self-awareness, communication, and other skills. Children of some married members also receive educational assistance from the city government.

The objectives of the organization are laudable, but we hope these are sustained. At the same time, caution must be taken so that the safety and welfare of the youth, especially those who are below 18, are given prime importance.*