The village chief of Barangay San Nicolas Proper has publicly questioned the operations of a nearby charitable center, arguing that its methods are worsening local homelessness rather than solving it.
Outdoor Feeding Programs Draw Criticism
Barangay Captain Clifford Jude Niñal expressed his concerns in an interview on Monday, January 5, 2026. He stated that while he supports charitable work, the practice of holding feeding programs outdoors on sidewalks is problematic. Niñal believes this approach attracts more people to live on the streets instead of helping them find permanent shelter.
"I am not discriminating against feeding programs," Niñal clarified. "But when these are done outside, on the sidewalks, it attracts more people to stay on the streets instead of helping them transition out of it." He added that such activities can conflict with local anti-mendicancy ordinances and sometimes lead to public disturbances, including drinking and loitering.
Barangay Actions and Center's Legal Status
Niñal reported that conditions around the San Nicolas Parish and the San Nicolas Center for the Poor have deteriorated, with sidewalks being used as sleeping areas. In response, the barangay has been working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) since November 2025.
Nineteen individuals have been rescued and are temporarily housed at the barangay gym. They are awaiting intervention programs, which may include rental subsidies or livelihood assistance of up to P10,000.
A significant issue raised is the center's legal standing. A visit with the City Department of Social Welfare and Services revealed the facility, run by a Korean missionary, lacks the necessary permits from City Hall to operate. Despite this, Niñal—known as the "Father of the Homeless" for his pandemic work—has committed to helping the center fast-track its documentation so it can operate legally and move its programs indoors.
Seeking a Permanent Solution
Niñal emphasized that temporary shelters, like the barangay gym which housed 200 to 260 people during the Covid-19 pandemic, are not sustainable long-term due to budget limits. As a permanent solution, the barangay is proposing a multi-story, government-run facility near Taboan Market.
This proposed project aims to integrate market space and parking with a dedicated shelter, addressing both district congestion and the homelessness issue in a more structured manner.
