Makati City: The woman recently seen in a viral photo emerging from a sewer in Makati City, known as 'Rose', is set to receive PHP80,000 in livelihood assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This aid will be distributed in tranches, announced DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian explained that Rose's situation is part of a broader initiative by the DSWD, which has already provided similar support to approximately 5,000 families and individuals living in street conditions. This effort is part of the Pag-Abot Program, which was launched in 2023. The assistance provided is conditional and not given in one lump sum; it requires supervision and monitoring by social workers to ensure recipients' progress.

The program includes home visits to assess improvements in beneficiaries' lives. Gatchalian emphasized that Rose is not receiving special treatment, as the program aims to assist all individuals in similar situations. The support for Rose aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure proper intervention and assistance for families and individuals in street situations.

Social workers from various Pag-Abot teams are active throughout Metro Manila, working around the clock to engage with individuals in need and offer them government assistance. The level of support each beneficiary receives is determined by assessments conducted by licensed social workers.

DSWD previously clarified that Rose, who gathers recyclables for a living, entered the sewer to retrieve a blade cutter essential for her work. Her daily earnings, combined with her partner's income as a barker, amount to about PHP300.