MANILA (November 19) — As the Christmas season approaches, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is urging the public to avoid giving alms to indigenous peoples (IPs) and homeless families, warning that it keeps vulnerable groups — especially IPs coming from Mindanao — exposed to danger on the streets.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said many families traveling from Mindanao end up begging in Metro Manila during the holidays, hoping for quick aid. “Giving alms may feel generous, but it encourages IPs and children to stay on the streets, where risks are high,” she said.
Instead, Dumlao urged donors to work with the Pag-Abot Program, which conducts outreach and offers food, temporary shelter, and case management for street-dwelling families — including those who journey from Mindanao seeking assistance.
The program’s Pasay processing center, located in the former POGO-run Nasdake Building, also houses the Walang Gutom Kitchen, which serves hot meals daily and welcomes volunteers and food donations. Many of the beneficiaries are IP families from Mindanao who need structured support rather than one-time handouts.
The appeal, Dumlao added, supports President Marcos Jr.’s directive to give vulnerable families proper, long-term interventions. So far, Pag-Abot has profiled around 14,000 individuals and assisted over 8,000 street dwellers.
Mindanao-based groups, churches, and civic organizations wishing to help their fellow Mindanaoan IP families in Metro Manila may contact @DSWDPagabot on Facebook or 0916-829-7202.
