The City Social Welfare and Development Office reminded the public especially Baguio citizens to avoid giving alms to beggars who normally flock to the city this Yuletide season.
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City Social Welfare and Development Officer Betty Fangasan issued the call in a Kapihan media forum last week during the launching of the ‘Silahis ng Pasko 2011.’
“These beggars can only be discouraged if there will be no people giving, that is the only thing we know that could stop them,” Fangasan said.
Fangasan also advised people who are willing to give or share this Christmas to coordinate with them so that their office can link them to authorized organizations or groups who are into gift-giving, Christmas treats or similar undertakings this yuletide season, as well as to pre-identified and more qualified indigent or sick beneficiaries.
Fangasan also said that this is also one reason why the CSWDO is in partner with the ‘Silahis ng Pasko’ as most of their activities are geared towards helping the needy or indigent children, family and other groups.
Fangasan also warns beggars, especially those using children in their plight, against going into the city as the CSWDO is closely monitoring the city streets.
“We keep on telling them not to beg and go to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Offices for possible assistance, if they really need help, though there are still many who are hard-headed,” Fangasan said.
“We also do not want them to use kids or children in begging. The public can always coordinate with the police if they see one, so that we can arrest them and bring to our office. If these adults insist to be on the street, at least we could ensure that the kids are placed in our centers, either in the CSWDO or the DSWD,” Fangasan added.
In addition, Fangasan also advised carolers or solicitors to secure necessary permit before going around the city.
“If they plan to go only around the barangay then they should get their permit from their respective barangay officials or those who plan to go hopping on different barangays, the permit should be from the city,” Fangasan said.
Moreover, as Christmas is just around the corner, the city is now all set for the 2011 month long celebration of ‘Silahis ng Pasko.’ The grand opening day extravaganza is slated this December 1, with day care children – parents Mardigras to be followed by a grand opening ceremony at the Melvin Jones, Grandstand.
The Silahis ng Pasko which is the longest and most meaningful and enjoyable Christmas Season offering in the city of Baguio and the Cordilleras, is now on its 38th year anniversary.
The event will be spearheaded by the National Correspondents Club of Baguio (NCCB) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office, in coordination with various partners and stakeholders headed by the Baguio Elderly Association.
Month long activities are scheduled for this year’s Christmas festivity which includes the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Cadet’s Day at Burnham Park on the morning of December 4 and PMA Band Concert at Malcolm Square (People’s Park) on the afternoon of the same day; the Quest for the Baguio Lucky Christmas Family 2011; Kafagway Sportfest; a Special Day for Special People; Children Palaro; Special Christmas treat for Children; and the annual search for the Baguio Lucky Chrsitmas Baby 2011 and Lucky New Year Baby 2012. - (PIA / by Lito Dar)
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