Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo reiterated her call to the public to refrain from alms-giving that encourages kids to roam the streets and endanger their lives.

“The Department and its attached agencies continue to advocate the ‘Anti-Mendicancy Law’ that penalizes anyone who gives alms to mendicants or street kids. This Christmas season will not be an excuse for its implementation,” warned Sec. Taguiwalo.

Presidential Decree 1563 or the Anti-Mendicancy Law of 1978 prohibits begging or soliciting of charitable donations by the poor and other religious organizations on the streets.

“Let us make this Christmas season a safe season for street kids and discourage them from continuing mendicancy where they can seriously injure themselves by jumping from one public utility vehicle to another  or  by tapping the windows of privately-owned vehicles,” the Secretary said.

Instead, Sec. Taguiwalo suggested that the public can still show “tamang paraan ng malasakit (right way of compassion)” that do not jeopardize the lives of street children by means of organizing community or Barangay Christmas parties or caroling sessions for children.

The public can also donate to DSWD centers and other organizations that help street kids or participate in charity drives and other activities for children such as Christmas activities in various activity centers led by the DSWD-National Capital Region (NCR).

Reaching out

Aside from refraining from alms-giving and participating in charitable activities for children, Sec. Taguiwalo calls for the public to be more proactive in rescuing street kids through the DSWD’s @savestreetkids Twitter campaign.

The Secretary also said that a reach out hotline number, 734-86-13, is also open to receive reports of streetchildren sighting in the National Capital Region.

“We encourage the public to continuously help us in our campaign to reach out to street kids and to safeguard children from all forms of abuse and violence. We need the participation of everyone, including private individuals and institutions. Let us work in solidarity with each other to build safer communities for children and other vulnerable and marginalized groups,” ended Sec. Taguiwalo. ###