Malaybalay warns against almsgiving ahead of Christmas influx

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Malaybalay City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has renewed its advocacy campaign discouraging public almsgiving to street mendicants, sparking mixed reactions among residents as the city prepares for the seasonal influx of beggars ahead of the Christmas holidays.Ivy Amor Urbina, City Social Welfare and Development Office chief, clarified the agency’s stance under Presidential Decree No. 1563—the Anti-Mendicancy Law of 1978—emphasizing that safety nets and dignity must be maintained without promoting discrimination or language that targets specific groups or individuals.“Do not give alms, and do not ask for alms,” Urbina told the Inquirer.

READ: Pampanga’s capital to penalize almsgiving with minimum fine of P3,000Urbina noted that the agency’s biggest operational challenge during the Christmas season is when seasonal groups of mendicants travel into the capital from surrounding areas to beg for money, viewing the holiday rush as a prime economic opportunity beyond the usual daily street presence.Urbina drew a distinct line between seasonal Christmas caroling and street begging.“There is a clear difference between caroling and begging,” Urbina said, noting that caroling remains an accepted part of Filipino holiday culture where giving remains entirely voluntary.In contrast, street mendicancy often involves direct, physical solicitation on public thoroughfares.Urbina reiterated that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) maintains its standing directive strongly discouraging motorists and pedestrians from giving money directly to street mendicants to prevent exploitation, particularly involving minors and infants.The city welfare office’s public reminders have drawn mixed responses from Malaybalay residents.While some community members favor enforcing legal frameworks and structured social interventions, others expressed concerns over traditional holiday charity and the immediate plight of vulnerable individuals seeking assistance during the festive season.

Enacted on June 11, 1978, Presidential Decree No. 1563 aims to curb street begging, protect children from exploitation by organized syndicates, and direct individuals in need toward official government rehabilitation and social protection services./coa