Motorists told: Don’t give alms to beggars

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) called on motorists and commuters to refrain from giving alms to street children who "carol" on thoroughfares in Metro Manila during the Christmas season.

DSWD Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Juliano-Soliman said giving alms to these street children merely encourages them to loiter on the streets, putting themselves at risk of being sideswiped by cars.

Soliman, instead, advised people who really want to help these children to find one of 25 "Paskuhan Centers" put up by the DSWD in the metropolis where they can give their donations, in cash or in kind.

The centers are near major street intersections where many "caroling" street children roam begging for alms.

The secretary said these Paskuhan Centers, manned by DSWD social workers and non-governmental organization (NGO) people, will gather all donations and on Christmas Day, hold Christmas parties where food and gifts will be given to street children.

Soliman said the Philippine National Police was asked by the DSWD to bring to the Paskuhan Centers street children who "carol" motorists.

Soliman also urged private corporations and wealthy individuals who can share their blessings with poor children to give their donations to the "Paskuhan Centers" or sponsor the Christmas parties on Christmas day. – Rainier Allan Ronda