Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has highlighted three major milestones under its programs to protect vulnerable sectors. The initiatives - Enhanced ProtecTEEN, Project Aruga, and Project SAFE - support the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to invest in human capital and strengthen social protection.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD has made significant strides over the past year in alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to end hunger, invest in human capital, and enhance disaster response efforts. DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized these achievements during the agency's weekly media forum on Thursday.
As part of its efforts to protect vulnerable sectors, the DSWD assisted 828 adolescent mothers through the Enhanced ProtecTEEN program. Beneficiaries received monthly financial assistance and psychosocial healing interventions. The program provides a PHP3,000 economic empowerment grant to address the health needs of adolescent mothers and their children, aiming to prevent repeat pregnancies and support their continued development.
Meanwhile, Project Aruga offered health interventions and financial assistance to 1,140 families caring for children with disabilities. The disability support allowance helps families manage the demanding responsibilities of caring for children with disabilities. Dumlao highlighted the importance of providing appropriate support to these families to ensure the continued monitoring and care of children with disabilities.
Additionally, the DSWD supported 120 victim-survivors of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) through Project SAFE. This program offers therapeutic and educational support, helping victim-survivors recover and rebuild their lives. Project SAFE also reached 619 community members through advocacy campaigns, particularly in Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao, where the pilot implementation began.
The DSWD continues to provide holistic interventions to help victim-survivors safely reintegrate into their communities and prevent revictimization.
