Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched three innovative social protection programs responsive to the unique needs of children, adolescent mothers, and persons with disabilities, in line with the instruction of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to address the immediate and development needs of vulnerable sectors.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao announced the introduction of Project SAFE, Enhanced ProtecTEEN, and Project Aruga, which advance social protection initiatives for these groups. "In line with the directives of President Marcos to strengthen social protection programs nationwide, which was also his directive during his State of the Nation Address in 2025, more beneficiaries are now provided with additional income, protection, and opportunity," Dumlao stated.
The Enhanced ProtecTEEN Program aims to tackle teen pregnancy by empowering adolescent mothers through psychosocial healing, health monitoring, educational assistance, and economic capacity-building. Beneficiaries receive a PHP3,000 monthly grant for 24 months, contingent on completing regular medical checkups, attending school, and participating in Healing and Transformation Sessions. The program has already reached 828 adolescent mothers in various regions, including Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, the National Capital Region, and Calabarzon.
Project Aruga focuses on delivering disability-inclusive social protection to children with disabilities and their families. It provides health interventions and a disability support allowance to alleviate caregivers' financial burdens and protect children's rights. The initiative has enrolled 1,140 families across nine regions, including the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and others.
In response to the dangers posed by digital technology, Project SAFE was launched to combat Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children (OSAEC). The project aims to enhance prevention, recovery, and reintegration measures for victim-survivors while fostering a safer environment for children. Since May, the program has been operational in Central Visayas and Northern Mindanao, providing therapeutic sessions and educational assistance to over 120 victim-survivors and engaging 619 community members through advocacy campaigns. The DSWD plans to expand Project SAFE into new communities by the end of 2026.
Assistant Secretary Dumlao emphasized the administration's commitment to ending online exploitation and reaffirmed the DSWD's dedication to ensuring that all Filipinos, especially those in vulnerable sectors, receive appropriate interventions and support. "Through the continuous expansion and steadfast implementation of these specialized programs, the DSWD remains dedicated to protecting the marginalized and paving the way toward a safer, brighter, and better future for every Filipino," she concluded.
