Stop giving alms to children, street dwellers, IPs–DSWD

With the holiday season approaching, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program has reminded the public not to extend alms to children in street situations, homeless persons, and Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) groups.

- By JEL SANTOS

“Alam po natin ang ating mga kababayan, ngayong 'ber' months, ay talaga pong natural na mapagbigay, tumutulong, nagbibigay ng tulong, maawain (We know that our countrymen, during the 'ber' months, are naturally generous, helpful, and compassionate). Iyon po yung gusto nating i-correct at i-educate yung ating public na hindi po tamang magbigay ng tulong o ng limos sa kalsada (We would like to correct that act, and educate the public that it is not right to give help or alms to people begging on the streets). Mayroon po tayong mga proper channels o venues para po magbigay ng kanilang tulong o donasyon (We have proper channels where they can give their help or donations),” Pag-abot Program Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Division Chief (DC) Jennifer Casañas said in a radio interview on Sept. 27.