Social workers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) who interviewed Rose, the woman who was photographed while crawling out of a drainage in Makati City, were informed of her occasional drug use and the client-social worker confidentiality in her case was being observed.

“Our social workers for Pag-abot program knew of Rose’s occasional use of illegal substance and as part of the conditions, she will undergo rehabilitation,“ Director Marlyn Moral of the DSWD’s Pag-abot program said on Monday (June 9).

Director Moral pointed out that the DSWD’s Pag-abot program does not discriminate when it comes to reaching out to families and individuals in street situation (FISS) and that the success of the continuing case management is dependent on both the client and the case manager where utmost trust and cooperation is expected.

“Our social workers in partnership with other duty bearers handling the case management will see to it that there will be positive change in the lives of Rose and her partner so that they become productive members of the community ready for reintegration after the necessary interventions,” Director Moral said.

Director Moral stressed drug use is a medical issue with psychosocial causes and effects which can be addressed through a holistic social case management with the highest respect to the tenets of human rights and social justice.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian has reiterated that saving people and helping them overcome adversity in life to get a chance to get a better life is part of the DSWD’s mandate as reflected in all this programs and services, particularly the Pag-abot Program.

“We, in the DSWD, are confident that with all the appropriate interventions, a better Rose will emerge — a Rose whose dignity and self-worth are restored; ready and able to become a productive member of society,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

“DSWD’s social workers do not just give material assistance. They enable clients to have better self-concept despite their negative experiences and restore hope,” Secretary Gatchalian added.#