A Woman Suddenly Emerges from City Sewer... Drivers Shocked by Her Identity

Homelessness Problem Comes to the Fore... President Steps In Directly
"Urgent Need for Sustainable Support, Not One-Time Aid" Voices Emerge

A homeless woman who was spotted crawling out of a sewer in a busy district of Manila, Philippines, has received support from government authorities. This incident has once again brought Manila's severe homelessness problem to the forefront.

According to reports from international media outlets such as Singapore's The Straits Times on May 31, an amateur photographer captured images of a woman crawling out of a roadside sewer in Makati, Manila's financial center, on May 26. As the woman, dressed in a blouse and denim shorts, emerged from the sewer, nearby pedestrians and drivers were reportedly left in shock, staring in disbelief. The woman quickly disappeared, but the horror movie-like scene that unfolded in the city center spread rapidly online.

Some observers pointed out that this scene starkly illustrates the grim reality faced by Manila's homeless population. The homelessness issue in Manila is at a critical level, with an estimated 3 million homeless people out of a population of 14 million.

As the photo attracted significant attention, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos personally ordered government authorities to check on the woman's condition. The Department of Social Welfare and Development subsequently located the woman, known as "Rose," in a Manila slum. It was determined that Rose makes a living by collecting and selling garbage. She reportedly explained that she had entered the sewer to retrieve a utility knife she had dropped into the drain at the time.

Local police stated that Rose, along with some other homeless individuals, use the sewer as a passageway. In fact, police found personal belongings such as shirts near the sewer from which she emerged.

In response, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with Rose in person on May 29 and announced that she would receive 80,000 Philippine pesos (approximately 200,000 won) as startup capital for a general store. He also added that her spouse, who possesses welding skills, has been unable to find a job and is homeless with her, and that the government would work to provide job placement assistance as well.

However, criticism has also been raised that such one-time support is insufficient to resolve the structural homelessness problem. One Facebook user commented, "It's good to provide help, but education, stable housing, and food support must come first," adding, "Giving money without education and training is a waste."