Manila, Nov. 18 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday once again appealed to the public to refrain from giving alms to homeless families and members of indigenous peoples' groups on the streets this holiday season.

Instead of giving alms, DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao encouraged the public to extend appropriate forms of assistance through organized activities that will encourage IPs and homeless families to stop their mendicancy.

"Naiintindihan po namin na sa panahong ito, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nais na magbahagi ng tulong sa ating mga kapatid na IPs, at sa mga batang nasa lansangan. Kami po ay muling umaapela sa inyo na huwag po tayong magbigay ng limos sa kanila, bagk...