Malaybalay City urges public to halt direct almsgiving to beggars

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — The Malaybalay City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is pushing back against direct charitable giving to street beggars, citing concerns about how funds are used and the welfare of vulnerable populations during the holiday season.

The advocacy campaign, led by CSWDO Chief Ivy Amor Urbina, seeks to redirect public compassion toward organized assistance programs rather than individual almsgiving. City officials warn that seasonal surges in begging typically coincide with increased foot traffic during December festivities, making the issue more visible to residents.

The initiative has elicited varied reactions among Malaybalay residents, some of whom view direct almsgiving as a religious and moral obligation during the Christmas period. Others have expressed support for channeling assistance through formal welfare mechanisms designed to provide sustainable help.

The CSWDO has not detailed specific concerns about how street donations are allocated, but such campaigns typically emphasize that organized programs can better assess recipient needs and provide comprehensive support services. City authorities continue to encourage residents to coordinate charitable efforts through official welfare channels as the year-end holidays approach.