The Department of Social Welfare and Development-National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) assured that the victims of Yolanda will not add up to the reportedly increase of beggars during holidays.

DSWD-NCR Regional Director Ma. Alicia S. Bonoan said that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who came to Manila from typhoon Yolanda-affected areas aboard C-130 and other means of transportation have been given various services so they will not resort to begging on the streets. Some families who have no relatives in Manila were referred to Centers/Residential Care Facilities of DSWD, Local Government Units (LGUs) and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) for social services.

“We cannot conclude, therefore, that survivors from recent calamities that opted to refuge here in Metro Manila will become beggars this coming Christmas season.” Bonoan said.

Also, the Department has regular program called Balik-Probinsiya, which provides transportation assistance to those families, or informal settlers who wanted to return to their families or relatives in their respective provinces. The DSWD social workers accompany these persons to the bus terminal or pier to ensure that they really take the transportation. After which, follow-through action is being done with the receiving LGU.

 Moreover, the DSWD holds the annual “Pasko ng Batang Pinoy” project where street children gather and participate in games and other activities as their Christmas celebration.