FOR many Filipinos, an ideal Christmas celebration involves being at home, surrounded by loved ones, with a complete noche buena spread and the whole family gathered together. After the countdown, families enjoy festive meals, share stories, and create heartwarming moments.
But for Iding, Christmas has been far from this picture-perfect scene. For nine years, Iding, her husband, and their two children have spent Christmas on the streets. A traditional noche buena is not a priority for them; instead, what matters most is having food to eat, a place to sleep, and warmth to endure the cold night.
“Naa man hinuon manghatag saamo pag pasko, kato ra among ginakaon. Usahay gani kay muduol mi sa mga balay duol sa among tulganan aron makakaon pud mig lami (Some people give us food during Christmas, and that’s what we eat. Sometimes, we even go to houses near where we sleep so we can also have something nice to eat),” she said.
Before becoming homeless, Iding’s family rented a small house while her husband was employed. Their struggles began after the birth of their two children, when her husband suffered an accident that left him unable to walk properly, making it difficult for him to work.
“Human ato, lisod na gyud among kinabuhi. Naga pamaligya kog bisan unsa sa dalan aron naa mi kita, pero dili gyud sakto sa amo. Wala, dawat nako na pobre gyud mi (After that, our life became really difficult. I sell whatever I can on the streets to earn something, but it’s never enough for us. I’ve accepted that we are truly poor),” Iding said.
Despite the challenges, Iding finds solace in her family’s unity. Grand celebrations may be out of reach, but she treasures their togetherness. She is also grateful to kind-hearted individuals who offer food and monetary help, brightening their difficult days.
Iding’s story is just one of many. Carmela S. Grado, RSW, Center Head of the Paginhawaan Drop-in Center under the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), reported that 89 homeless children and 21 homeless families were recorded in Davao City this year. These include members of the Sama-Badjao and Moro communities, as well as Indigenous People (IP) families like Iding’s.
Grado underscored the ongoing efforts of the City Government of Davao and CSWDO to assist the homeless. Initiatives include temporary shelters, livelihood opportunities, educational assistance, feeding programs, and medical aid.
During the holidays, outreach programs intensify, with private groups and individuals joining these efforts.
“Ang Pasko para gyud sa bata, maong ang gobyerno kauban ang CSWDO mas gipatibay gyud ang mga programa para sa mga homeless og sa mga bata (Christmas is really for the children, which is why the government, together with the CSWDO, has strengthened programs for the homeless and for children),” Grado noted. She highlighted early planning for activities and seminars aimed at helping parents and children.
Iding’s family has received government support through food packs, feeding programs, and livelihood seminars. She also expressed gratitude for strangers who extend assistance, particularly when they see her young children.
“Daghan man pud muhatag og hinabang sa amo, ilabi na if makita nila nga naa koy duha ka anak. Maluoy sila og mutunol og kwarta,” she said.
Grado urged those who wish to help the homeless to coordinate with proper channels like the CSWDO to ensure sustainable support.
Iding's family has received support from the government. She shared that she attended a seminar organized by the CSWDO on how to create a livelihood. Iding mentioned that they receive food packs from the government and have participated in the feeding program. She also receives help from various individuals on the streets, which, according to her, has been helpful in their daily lives.
“Daghan man pud muhatag og hinabang saamo, ilabi na if makita nila nga naa koy duha ka anak. Maluoy sila og mutunol og kwarta (Many people also give us help, especially when they see that I have two children. They feel sorry for us and hand over some money),” she added.
Grado urged those who wish to help the homeless to coordinate with proper channels like the CSWDO to ensure sustainable support.
For most Filipinos, Christmas is a season of joy, marked by gifts, lights, and feasts. But for Iding, it remains a dream—one where her family is no longer on the streets but in a home filled with love and plenty.
“Ang Pasko namo kanunay gyud lisod, unta muabot ang adlaw malipayon napud sama sa uban (Christmas is always difficult for us, but I hope the day will come when we can be happy, just like others),” Iding said, holding onto the hope that one day, her family will celebrate Christmas in a place they can truly call home. AJA