The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is once again reiterating its call to the public to refrain from giving alms to street children and families—a scene that is prevalent during the holiday season.

“We appeal to our kababayans especially here in Metro Manila not to give alms to children and families on the streets, as this will perpetuate their beliefs that it is okay to ask for alms and that it is a good way to earn,” DSWD Spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Glenda D. Relova, said.

According to the Assistant Secretary, in addition to street dwellers, members of indigenous people’s (IP) groups usually go to Metro Manila and its neighboring cities and provinces to ask for alms during the Christmas season, based on the observation of the DSWD.

“Ang madalas po nating nakikita ay iyong mga kapatid nating Aetas at Sama-Bajau.  Simula buwan ng Oktubre, bumababa sila dito sa Manila para manghingi ng limos o pamasko, as it is a means of livelihood for them (Starting October, we usually see our fellow citizens who are Aetas and Sama-Bajaus go to Metro Manila to ask for alms, as it is a means of livelihood for them),” she explained.

Asec. Relova said that she understands that many people may not help but feel pity towards street children and families, especially this Christmas season.

“Naiintindihan po natin na kapag ganitong kapaskuhan, ang mga tao ay may extra love at care na ibinibigay. Mabait ang mga tao at mas maluwag sa kanilang magbigay. Kasi nga, it is the season of giving (We understand that during Christmas season, people give extra love and care. They are more generous as this is the season of giving),” she clarified.

“Ngunit huwag po tayong magbigay ng limos (But let us not give alms).  We believe it is not the best solution. Kung hindi magiging accessible sa kanila itong mabilisang pera, hindi na nila ipu-pursue pa ulit yung ganitong gawain (If quick cash won’t be accessible to them, they will not pursue this practice anymore),” Asec. Relova further explained.

Right way to help

The DSWD has been actively promoting the right way to help not just for the members of the IPs who flock to Metro Manila during the Christmas season, but also the children and families who have long made the streets their home through its #HelptheHomelessPH advocacy campaign.

To help them,  the public may organize gift-giving events or small reach-out activities. They can also conduct art or story-telling or even organize feeding programs and medical missions.

“What we also encourage is for the public to help us in developing programs for street dwellers and to give to our centers, non-government organizations (NGOs), and other charitable institutions that provide comprehensive services for street children and families,” Asec. Relova added.

DSWD programs, services

Asec. Relova explained that the DSWD, through its Field Offices (FOs) and in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs), is helping IPs who came to beg in Metro Manila through its ‘Balik-Probinsya’ program.

“Sila ay aming pinapabalik sa probinsya sa pamamagitan ng aming Balik-Probinsya program kung saan binibigyan natin sila ng tulong pamasahe. Minsan may kasama silang social workers from our FOs at hinahatid sila doon (We help them go back to their homes and provinces through our Balik-Probinsya program wherein we give them transportation aid. Our social workers from our FOs accompany them),” she said.

The Assistant Secretary said the IPs are also being referred to DSWD Field Offices in their provinces for livelihood assistance and other services.

She also shared that the DSWD also implements the Comprehensive Program for Street Children, Street Families and IP’s Especially Sama Bajau, which is an integrated approach in responding to the needs of street children and their families. It provides a package of services, interventions, and opportunities for them to live productively in a safe environment.

In addition, Asec. Relova further shared that the DSWD is currently working on the Silungan sa Barangay project.

“Silungan sa Barangay project will be pilot-tested in cities and municipalities here in Metro Manila. Under this project, the DSWD aims to have processing centers for street dwellers in the LGUs or a temporary home or a ‘silungan’ where they can temporarily stay and be provided with a convergence of holistic services from different groups,” she explained. ###