DSWD to provide P10,000 in cash aid to IPs begging in NCR streets

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is looking to provide a one-time cash assistance of P10,000 to the families of indigenous peoples (IPs) who will be rescued in Metro Manila to discourage them from begging in the streets.

According to Cedric Castillo’s report on “24 Oras”, DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo said the agency was focused on rescuing the groups of Aetas and Badjaos in the National Capital Region.

“Inuuna lang po natin itong mga Badjao at Aeta para sila po't mapabalik. Dahil nga po marami na ring nagrereklamong mga kababayan natin, medyo masakit po sa mata. Nakakahiya rin po sa mga bisita natin,”  Tulfo said.

(We’re focusing on Badjaos and Aetas so they will not go back to the street. A lot of people are complaining about them because they are somewhat of an eyesore. It is also embarrassing to our guests.)

“Bago po natin papauwiin, bibigyan natin sila ng mga ayuda na P10,000 bawat pamilya. Para 'yun po ang gamitin nila bilang pangkabuhayan nila,” he added.

(Before we let them go to the provinces, we’ll give each family P10,000 cash aid so they can use it for their livelihood.)

According to Tulfo, the agency was investigating if the IPs were being used by syndicates. He said somed 100 IP families had been rescued by the DSWD.

“Hanggang Pasko po 'yan, eh, so medyo malaki. Bawing-bawi na 'yung pamasahe sa barko. Malaki ang kinikita ng grupo kung sindikato ang nasa likod niyan," Tulfo said.

"Kumpulan po sila sa isang lugar. Hinahanap na po natin 'yan. Mayroon daw dito sa Maynila, mayroon din dito sa Mandaluyong o Quezon City. Parang nagsisiksikan daw sila sa iisang bahay,” he added.

(It will run until Christmas so a substantial amount. They can earn back their money from the fares they used. The syndicates behind them will earn a lot. We also observed they were in certain areas only. Some of them are in Manila, Mandaluyong, and Quezon City. They were also staying in one house.)

Tulfo said the rescued individuals would be assessed ti determine if they were eligible for financial aid. He said those who would be helped would not be allowed to return back to the streets.

The DSWD will also help them process their documents including birth certificates, saying their lack of was is the primary reason why they were not being reached by other government stimuli. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News