DSWD remains steadfast in Pag-abot program; more than 60 individuals reached out in Quezon City
As the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) remains focused on its goal of assisting the most vulnerable sectors, the agency’s Pag-abot team was able to convince 63 individuals living on the streets of NIA Road in Quezon City during a series of reach out operations last May.
The Pag-abot team was able to give interventions to one child, 12 individuals, and 18 families living on different areas of NIA Road.
After securing their consent through dialogues, Pag-abot Team members took the 63 individuals to the DSWD’s processing center in Pasay City for immediate assessment of their needs. They were provided with food, medical aid as needed, and identification cards.
The reached out families undertook further assessment by the social worker handling their cases to determine other appropriate assistance needed. Under the Pag-Abot program, the beneficiaries are provided with livelihood assistance as well as helping them go back to their respective province origin.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian led some of the reach-out operations by the Pag-abot team in Quezon City and in Makati City. As part of the reach-out, the DSWD Chief was able to talk to the individuals and families living on the streets.
“Ang mga nakaharap natin ay pinakamahirap sa mahirap. Ito talaga iyong mga napilitang tumira sa lansangan at walang hanapbuhay, walang tahanan, so binibigyan natin sila ng panibagong buhay. Lahat ng mga mamamayan na nangangailangan kasama sa program ng DSWD,” Secretary Gatchalian shared in a post on Pag-abot Program’s Facebook page.
One of the individuals who was reached-out by the DSWD Chief who wholeheartedly joined the Pag-abot team is a 41-year-old male with 2 pet dogs. He was seen living on the streets of Makati City and vending at the side of the road.
Through the DSWD’s Pag-abot program, the 41-year-old man and his pets are now back home in his hometown in Cavite province. He will be monitored by the Pag-abot social workers and assessed for other appropriate interventions.
Showing true grit, the Pag-abot team and social workers continue with their operations without ceasing as they reach-out to individuals and families on the streets, even during the late nights, with the sole objective of assisting them to opt for safer and improved quality of daily lives through the DSWD program. (GDVF)