The viral video showing a security guard confronting a girl uniform yup selling sampaguita has sparked widespread debate online. While discussions on social media focused on who’s to blame, the incident revealed a deeper issue: systemic failures that perpetuate poverty and exploitation, leaving both the girl and the security guard as victims in a flawed system.
The girl, likely a casualty of poverty or exploitation, represents the silent struggles of many Filipinos. Instead of focusing on education and enjoying her childhood, she is forced to work; her battle for survival normalized by a society desensitized to her realities.
While buying her wares may seem like an act of compassion, it risks perpetuating a broader cycle of exploitation. Syndicates often prey on vulnerable individuals, turning their hardship into profit.
On the other hand, the security guard, whose mandate was to enforce mall policies, found himself severely penalized for doing his job. While his employer did swift justice, his actions resulted in a dire consequence: being banned from working at the mall chain.
The decision now raises uncomfortable questions: Was he punished for following orders, or for the negative publicity the incident generated? Either way, his livelihood became collateral damage in a society that fails to consider the nuances of his role.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the double-edged sword that is systemic poverty. The girl is forced to work to survive, the security guard must enforce company rules to keep his job, and the system ultimately punishes one while turning a blind eye to the exploitation of the other. Both are casualties of a larger societal failure to address poverty and to provide adequate protection for the vulnerable.
If the government had comprehensive social safety nets in place, would the girl need to sell sampaguita to survive? If labor laws were stronger, would the guard have been penalized for doing his job? These critical questions direct to larger policy gaps that seek urgent attention.
This underscores the importance of emotional discipline and professionalism in frontline roles. While it is true that enforcing rules is part of the security guard’s duty, his actions that caused harm and embarrassment to the girl are unjustifiable. Situations like these call for composure and empathy, especially when faced with challenging situations.
The incident has since developed, with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) stepping in to offer psychosocial support to the girl. The Philippine National Police (PNP), meanwhile, is conducting an investigation to uncover the full context of the event.
This event calls for action rather than sulking on what social media has painted. Supporting efforts to combat youth exploitation, advocating for stronger labor protections, and addressing poverty at its roots are more crucial.
These steps can inspire change and pave new ways for the society to walk with dignity, fairness, and compassion.
Photo Credits to SM Megamall FB PAGE
CTTO Viral Video
