San juan city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is intensifying its commitment to assist families and individuals in street situations (FISS) in returning to their homes or communities through the Pag-Abot Program.
According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Rex Gatchalian highlighted that the Pag-Abot Program aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to extend the DSWD's reach and ensure vulnerable groups are included in social protection initiatives. During his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Marcos emphasized the urgent need for government assistance for families and individuals living on the streets, urging local government units (LGUs) to identify and enroll them in various DSWD programs.
Gatchalian reiterated this focus during the 'Post-SONA Discussions on Health and Social Welfare Protection' at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center in San Juan City. He noted that street-dwelling families represent the "poorest of the poor," residing in public spaces such as streets, overpasses, and underpasses.
The DSWD has deployed over 100 Pag-Abot social workers throughout Metro Manila to engage with FISS. These workers aim to persuade individuals to temporarily reside in a converted shelter in Pasay City, formerly a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub, now known as Walang Gutom Kitchen. However, Gatchalian stressed that the shelter is not a permanent solution. The primary goal of the Pag-Abot Program is to reintegrate these individuals into their families and communities with the necessary support, such as livelihood opportunities, to ensure they do not return to street life.
The national government has taken a proactive role through the Pag-Abot Program, coordinating with LGUs to implement this initiative. Gatchalian highlighted that the Marcos administration is pioneering a national-level institutionalization of such a program, ensuring that no Filipino, particularly those on the streets, is left behind.
The Pag-Abot Program, initiated by the DSWD in 2023 and formalized under Executive Order 52 in January 2024, adopts a comprehensive approach encompassing immediate aid and long-term solutions. It addresses the urgent needs of FISS by providing essential resources like food, clothing, and hygiene products, alongside healthcare services, including medical check-ups, vaccinations, and mental health support.
For children, the program collaborates with the Department of Education to prioritize school enrollment and educational assistance. For adults, it offers skills training through the Department of Labor and Employment and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, enhancing their employment prospects and economic self-sufficiency.
A significant focus of the program is family reunification, utilizing counseling and mediation to restore family ties and reunite children with their families where feasible. Additionally, the program advocates for policy reforms to tackle systemic issues like poverty, healthcare access, and educational limitations contributing to homelessness.
By partnering with local communities and stakeholders, the Pag-Abot Program aims to diminish stigma, raise awareness, and promote the social inclusion of homeless individuals.
