The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday reminded the public to refrain from giving alms to Indigenous Peoples (IPs), children, and families in street situations (FISS) — a practice that becomes more common during the holiday season.

“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,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson said.

Instead of handing out alms, Dumlao encouraged the public to extend appropriate forms of assistance through organized activities that discourage mendicancy and keep vulnerable groups safe.

“Ang DSWD po ay may Pag-Abot Program kung saan patuloy na nagsasagawa ng reach out activities para ilayo sa kapahamakan ang mga IPs at mga kababayan nating nasa lansangan. Maaari pong makipag-ugnayan ang publiko sa Pag-Abot team kung nais nilang magbahagi ng tulong lalo na ngayong holiday season,” she pointed out.

The spokesperson explained that the Pag-Abot Program has a processing center in the Nasdake Building — a former POGO hub located in Pasay City — which also houses the Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK), serving hot meals to families and individuals reached out on the streets.

“Hinihikayat din po namin ang ating mga kababayan at mga private groups na nais tumulong sa aming Walang Gutom Kitchen. Ang soup kitchen po ay tumatanggap ng mga donasyong pagkain at mga volunteers na nais maglaan ng kanilang oras para sa ating mga kababayang na-reach out sa mga lansangan,” Dumlao said.

The Pag-Abot Program has already profiled around 14,000 individuals and reached out to more than 8,000 families and individuals living in street situations. The DSWD Pag-Abot team continues to operate 24/7, providing short-term and long-term interventions to help them leave life on the streets and transition toward dignity and stability.

Groups or individuals who want to donate or volunteer may contact the Pag-Abot Program through its Facebook page @DSWDPagabot or through the WGK mobile number 0916-8297202.

The Pag-Abot Program and WGK are innovative initiatives of the DSWD aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that vulnerable families and individuals receive necessary support and government interventions.