After enduring the harsh realities of homelessness in Manila, Rogen Banduran finally made his way back home to Lupon, Davao Oriental last April 27.

His safe return highlights the life-changing impact of proper intervention and will to survive, which was realized through the direct assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program.

Armed with a fierce determination to turn his life around, Rogen successfully left the streets of the metropolis, transforming his struggles into a story of immense hope.

Rogen’s journey was a long search for stability. Before he even set foot in Manila, he took on various jobs just to make money, including working as a farmer in Tarlac.

However, the daily income he earned from the fields was never enough to sustain his needs. Hoping for better opportunities and a more stable income, Rogen made the bold decision to pack his bags and go to Manila.

Like many who try their luck in the city, Rogen chased his long-built dream of having a good life. Rogen eventually secured work as a cook at the well-known food stall, Diwata Pares.

For a time, life was stable and his hard work seemed to be paying off. Unfortunately, when the business suffered a sudden decline, Rogen found himself entirely unsettled and without livelihood.

Rogen drifted between temporary jobs until his options dried up, eventually forcing him to sleep on the cold concrete of the metropolis. For weeks, he navigated the chaotic and dangerous reality of being homeless, entirely unsure of how to survive another day.

Search for free meals

A desperate search for a free meal led Rogen to the Walang Gutom Kitchen (WGK) in Pasay City, which became the turning point in his life.

After being introduced to the Pag-abot Program, he was taken into the care of the DSWD and realized that the assistance went far beyond pocket money or a bus ticket.

“Noong umabot na ako ng ilang linggo sa kalye, ang dami ko nang na… di ko na alam kung anong gagawin ko, ang dami kong na engkwentro na mga taong nakatira sa lansangan, kaya yung narinig ko yung mga Walang Gutom Kitchen, ayun pinuntahan ko yun upang makakain lang doon, at dun nalaman ko na may mga program silang inaalok, yung Pag-abot Program,” Rogen recalled.

The shelter became a place of holistic recovery where he received medical checkups, psychological counseling, and the spiritual encouragement he desperately needed to regain his footing.

“Kaya pagpasok ko doon, andami kong natutunan. Akala ko ang DSWD ay tulong pinansyal lang ang maranasan ko doon, kung hindi pala, ano pala, halos lahat naranasan ko doon—tulong ispritwal, mental at tsaka health. Dahil unang-una po pagpasok ko doon, doon ko naramdaman ang pagmamahal nila sa amin, lalo na sa akin na walang mga magulang. Lalo na sa social workers na tinanggap nila kami doon ng buong-buo at hindi kami hinusgahan para lang bigyan kami ng pagkakataon na kami ay magbago at mauwi sa pamilya, kaya ayun ang dami kong natutunan dun sa loob,” Rogen shared.

Rogen’s successful reintegration was fueled by the social workers who stepped in as his family when he had no one else.

Rebuilding life with Pag-abot Program

Rogen credits government leaders and the shelter staff who made his recovery possible—expressing his gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian for the Pag-abot Program, as well as the social workers and house parents who carefully guided his day-to-day progress.

“Unang-una, ang Panginoon na pinakilala sa amin na hindi lamang po tayo nabubuhay sa tinapay lang kundi sa salita po na galing po mismo sa Kanya. Kaya malaking pasalamat po sa aming Presidente, si Bongbong Marcos, dahil may programa siya na binigay sa amin upang kami po ay matulungan at mabigyan ng pagkakataon na magbagong buhay at makasama ang pamilya… In behalf sa aming lahat ng mga beneficiary na kami ay nagpapasalamat po sa bumubuo sa DSWD lalo na po sa aming Secretary, si Rex Gatchalian,” Rogen said.

Now back in Davao Oriental, Rogen is ready to face the future. Upon his return, the DSWD immediately provided him with financial assistance to help him settle back into Lupon.

To ensure his long-term self-sufficiency and full reintegration, Rogen is also currently under assessment for the provision of Transitory Shelter Assistance (TSA) for rental support, and livelihood assistance.

As he rebuilds his life, Rogen’s experiences serve as powerful reminders that anyone can overcome rock bottom if given the chance and support to start over.

“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na may ahensya pala ng gobyerno na tumitingin po sa mga taong lubos na nangangailangan katulad ko, na minsan nawala sa landas, napunta sa kalye. Ayun, nagpapasalamat ako ngayon dahil sa DSWD na nagpapatunay na bawat buhay mahalaga sa DSWD, kaya ang daming kong natutunan sa kanila at naranasan na hindi ko naranasan,” Rogen said. (KI)