The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday once again appealed to the public to refrain from giving alms to homeless families and members of indigenous peoples’ groups on the streets this holiday season.

Instead of giving alms, DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao encouraged the public to extend appropriate forms of assistance through organized activities that will encourage IPs and homeless families to stop their mendicancy.

“Naiintindihan po namin na sa panahong ito, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nais na magbahagi ng tulong sa ating mga kapatid na IPs, at sa mga batang nasa lansangan. Kami po ay muling umaapela sa inyo na huwag po tayong magbigay ng limos sa kanila, bagkus ay magbahagi tayo ng tulong sa tamang pamamaraan (We understand that during this season, many of us want to extend help to IPs and street children. Again, we appeal to you to stop giving them alms and instead give them the proper assistance),” Dumlao said.

Dumlao said the DSWD has a Pag-Abot Program that implements reach out activities to keep IPs and other individuals away from various risks on the streets.

She said the public may contact the Pag-Abot team if they want to extend help particularly during this holiday season.

The Pag-Abot Program has a processing center in Nasdake Building, a former Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Pasay City that also houses the Walang Gutom Kitchen, which serves hot meals to families and individuals living on the streets.

Both the Pag-Abot Program and the Walang Gutom Kitchen are innovative programs of the DSWD aligned with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure that vulnerable families and individuals receive necessary interventions and assistance from the government.

Dumlao called on interested persons and private groups who want to help the Walang Gutom Kitchen, which is accepting food donations and volunteers wanting to share their time helping the less fortunate.

Groups and individuals who are interested to donate or volunteer may reach out to the Pag-Abot Program through their Facebook page @DSWDPagabot or through the WGK mobile number 0916-8297202.

The DSWD said the Pag-Abot Program has already profiled around 14,000 individuals and reached out to more than 8,000 families and individuals living on the streets. (PNA)