The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reiterated its appeal to the public to refrain from giving alms to children, homeless individuals, and indigenous peoples (IPs) on the streets and instead encourage responsible ways to help, especially during the holiday season when their numbers tend to increase.

“We do not want to dampen the Christmas spirit. We still encourage sharing help, especially with children. However, the responsible way to do this is by reaching out to them, removing them from the streets, and protecting them from the risks and dangers they face,” DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said on Thursday, Nov. 21.

DSWD’s call is in line with Presidential Decree No. 1563, or the Anti-Mendicancy Law, which prohibits begging and soliciting charitable donations on the streets by individuals or organizations.

Instead of supporting mendicancy, Dumlao urged the public to offer other forms of assistance, such as conducting organized activities through gift-giving, feeding sessions, medical missions, storytelling sessions, and group caroling in coordination with the concerned local government units.

“We want to ensure a safe Christmas experience for all children. Hence, the importance of parental or guardian's supervision on children participating in caroling sessions to ensure they are safe from harm,” she said.

For groups or organizations planning fundraising activities through caroling, Dumlao advised them to obtain solicitation permits from the DSWD if the scope is regional or nationwide.

She added that for a fundraising permit limited to a barangay, city, or municipality, the permit should be secured from the concerned LGU.

A solicitation permit, issued by the DSWD and LGUs, authorizes individuals, groups, and entities to collect donations or voluntary contributions for charitable or public welfare purposes, helping to prevent illegal fundraising efforts that exploit the generosity of the donors and intended beneficiaries.