DSWD Advises Filipinos to Refrain From Giving Alms to Beggars This Christmas Season
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) discourages the public from giving alms to beggars this Christmas season.
Beggars are individuals who ask for help in the form of money, food, or other necessities. They can be seen on street corners, near shops, or in public places. While some may assume that begging is a choice, there are unavoidable factors making someone end up in such a situation.
Many beggars face financial difficulties, unemployment, or unexpected factors, making it challenging to meet their basic needs. Economic hardships can force individuals to turn to begging as a way to survive.
As the holiday season approaches, DSWD wants Filipino people to reconsider giving alms, both in cash and kind, to street dwellers. While the spirit of Christmas often inspires generosity, the agency wants to avoid actions that may encourage people to stay on the streets.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez believes that providing alms may discourage individuals from seeking long-term solutions to their situation.
“We discourage them po sa alms giving, sa paglilimos kasi encourage lang natin ating mga kababayan na manatili sa kalsada,” Lopez said.
Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. has established Presidential Decree 1563 imposing fines and potential jail time of up to four years for individuals caught giving alms. The decree aims to promote more structured and sustainable assistance to needy people.
The agency also cited the “Oplan Abot” providing temporary shelter, educational plan, or enrolment to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program to unfortunate Filipinos including street dwellers.
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These programs are designed to support and encourage individuals to move away from street life.
“Hindi po kayo basta hinihila, nilalagay sa sasakyan, ilalagay sa facility. Hindi po. Dayalogo po ang nangyayari hanggang kayo ay kusa sumama sa amin at mabigyan kayo ng interventions,” Lopez said.
The social media users expressed their reactions to DSWD’s advise:
