Davao City clamps down on mendicancy

DAVAO CITY — The city government here is cracking down on the asking and giving of alms on the streets in line with the nearly forgotten Anti-Mendicancy Law of 1978.

The City Social Welfare and Development Office, or CSWDO, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Region 11 are closely coordinating to assist people who would otherwise resort to begging.

CSWDO head Julie Dayaday urged the public to assist the government in providing sustainable assistance to those in need, including members of indigenous peoples or IP groups, instead of providing them with alms.

She said members of IP groups who come to the city from neighboring municipalities to ask for alms on the streets are subject to the Anti-Mendicancy Law.

Dayaday said that their street facilitators are working with the DSWD to profile the IP members and explain the risks of accidents on the streets, while being exposed to criminal elements.

"If they tell us that they will go home or they want to go home, we immediately offer to help them by coordinating with their mayor or MSWDO," she said.

Crystal Mae Econ, social welfare officer II of the DSWD Social Technology Unit, said the majority of the IPs originate from Talaingod, Kapalong in Davao del Norte; and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.

"We have an agreement with Talaingod and Kapalong that after profiling and taking photos of the IPs, we will forward it to our group chat with them; and then they will coordinate with us for the scheduled transportation," Econ explained.

"On our end, we will inform the IPs that their municipality will be coming to help them return to their homes," she added.