DSWD rescues IPs begging in Metro

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started rescuing Indigenous peoples (IPs) who ended up begging in Metro Manila streets.

DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo said the rescue operations for Aetas and Badjaos started on Nov. 18, 2022.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Tulfo said that 100 Badjaos from Mindanao were plucked off the streets. He said these IPs will be sent back to their provinces and the government will provide them with livelihood.

“Dati rati kasi bibigyan lang sila ng pagkain, bibilhan ng tiket ng barko at saka pauwiin (The government used to give them food and buy them tickets to return home). You do not solve their problem. They do not have food in their hometowns because they have no livelihood, thus they keep coming back to beg on the streets,” the DSWD chief said.

Each rescued IP family will be given P10,000 which they can use to begin a small business when they get back home.

Food packs, as well as hygiene kits, will also be given to the families.

Tulfo gave assurances that the government will help members of Indigenous tribes not only during the Christmas season but throughout the year so that they will not keep going back to cities to beg.

The department said it will also rescue street children in coordination with local government units.

DSWD Undersecretary Denise Bragas said that children who have been plucked from the streets three times will no longer be returned to their parents.

“Secretary Tulfo gave instructions that after three rescues, a child will no longer be returned to his or her parents. The government will take care of them and will send them to school,” she said.