DSWD rescues Badjaos, Aetas begging for alms in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has rescued Badjao and Aeta indigenous peoples (IPs) who were begging for alms in Metro Manila streets.

Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo said DSWD personnel rescued some 100 Badjaos begging for alms along major thoroughfares on Friday.

Tulfo said the rescued IPs would be given livelihood assistance before being sent back to the provinces.

“Dati kasi bibigyan lang sila ng pagkain, bibilhan ng ticket sa barko at bibigyan ng barya-barya at saka pauuwiin,” Tulfo said.

“You do not solve their problem. Ang problema, wala silang makain sa kanilang lugar dahil wala silang hanap-buhay o pinagkakakitaan kaya pabalik-balik sila dito sa Metro Manila para magpalimos,” he added.

Tulfo said each IP family rescued by the DSWD would be given P10,000, which can be used to start a business upon returning home.

Apart from the cash aid, each family will also receive food packs and hygiene kits.

“President Marcos wants this problem solved para hindi na magpalimos sa kalsada ang mga IPs,” the DSWD chief said.

Tulfo said the agency would help the Badjao and Aeta people not only during Christmas, but throughout the year.

Denise Bragas, Social Welfare Undersecretary for standards and capacity building, said the DSWD would also rescue street children begging for alms, in coordination with local government units.