‘Even in spirit of Christmas, don’t give alms to beggars’

Despite the Christmas spirit, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is asking the public not to give alms to begging children this Yuletide season because it stops them from learning the value and dignity of hard work.

According to DSWD Secretary Luwalhati Pablo, children who become used to handouts also never learn the value of self-reliance.

"If they become used to just opening their palms, they might no longer want to work. They will be dependent on others and that’s not good," Pablo told The STAR.

The DSWD is closely coordinating with local government units this season to implement "Sagip Kalinga" which is aimed at rescuing street children, providing them with shelter and teaching them skills.

Over the years, it has been observed that mendicancy becomes rampant in Metro Manila during the Yuletide season.

Syndicates are said to be behind the increase in begging activity with most young beggars reportedly from ethnic groups in Zambales, Pampanga and Mt. Province.

Pablo said the police and local leaders are closely monitoring the streets now to prevent the practice.

She warned that parents who induce or tolerate begging by their children face imprisonment under Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

She noted that even Christmas caroling by street children should not be tolerated because it places kids’ live at risk.

"Oftentimes, you can see children hanging on jeepneys while caroling. That is dangerous. We should not tolerate this practice by giving them money," she said.