Umaapela ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sa publiko na huwag magbigay ng limos sa mga batang palaboy dahil lalo lamang silang nahihikayat na gumala sa mga daan lalo na sa panahon ng Kapaskuhan.
“We understand how many of us feel sorry for the street children who clamber up jeepneys asking for alms and are moved by compassion to give them money. While we mean well by doing this, this actually serves to encourage children to continue doing this dangerous activity – they can get seriously injured as they get on and off jeepneys or run through traffic to go after vehicles and passengers. If we really cannot help ourselves, we can give food instead,” pahayag ni DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo.
Sa halip na maglimos, hinihikayat niya ang mga galanteng tao at grupo na mag-organize na lamang ng community Christmas parties o kaya’y caroling sessions para sa mga bata. (Ellalyn B. de Vera)