An Analysis on the Implementation of the Anti-mendicancy Law or P.D 1563 in the City of Lucena

The Anti-Mendicancy Law was implemented to control street crimes, to promote social justice, protection of life, and the dignity of the citizens endangered by rampant mendicants. This study aimed to analyze and determine the level of awareness, the effectiveness of the implementation of the Anti-Mendicancy Law in the City of Lucena, and distinguish the effectiveness of rehabilitative services and the implementation of the policy that helps protect the mendicants from the exploitation of infants and children. This quantitative research utilized the descriptive method. The questionnaires were distributed to 100 chosen respondents. Based on the analysis of the findings of this research, the level of awareness of the citizens in Lucena City on P.D 1563 is at a low level of awareness in terms of the penalty and liability. Furthermore, the respondents identified that the implementation of P.D 1563 in Lucena City is still effective. The rehabilitative services and policy implementation are important because these are effective in protecting beggars, especially children who may be exposed to exploitation. The research study recommends raising awareness to the public by using the Anti-Mendicancy campaign through implementing an ordinance in the City of Lucena. Moreover, to better implement anti-mendicancy regarding its rehabilitative services, there must be an adequate budget from the government. This will help to further improve and add facilities that can accommodate more mendicants, especially children.