“Ang Pag-abot Program ay malaking bagay po sa akin kasi po kung wala kayo, hindi po ako nakauwi rito sa amin.”

These were the words of gratitude from Rovilyn Aguiling who was able to return to her hometown in Bacolod City after years of wandering in the streets of Metro Manila.

And Rovilyn has much to thank for in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program, which is one of the DSWD’s innovative programs that aims to reach out and address the concerns of families and individuals living and staying on the streets by providing them with the right intervention and opportunities to steer them toward improved and dignified lives.

Before reuniting with her family, Rovilyn spent years away from her home in Bacolod City by living on the streets where she faced daily challenges, abuse, and uncertainty.

Rovilyn was only 16 years old when she left home after being promised work in Japan.

“Noong 16 po ako, na-recruit ako papuntang Japan daw. Kaso, napunta po ako sa Mabini. Five years po akong nagtatrabaho sa Mabini. Bago ako na-reach out, three years din kaming tumira sa lansangan,” Rovilyn recalled.

Rovilyn shared that life on the streets was difficult and often unsafe, especially for women. She experienced being abused by someone she did not know while she was sleeping and could only look back with relief that her life was spared.

“Ang pinakamahirap po na part, yung natutulog ka sa kalye tapos hihimasin ka ng tao na hindi mo kilala. Yun po ang pinaka-worst na nangyari po sa akin. Buti noong araw na yun na may humipo sa akin, natutulog ako, hindi po ako pinatay,” Rovilyn shared.

Looking back, Rovilyn said she first encountered the Pag-abot Program in 2024, but at that time, she was hesitant and reluctant to leave her situation behind.

“Mga 2024 pa po ako nakausap ng Pag-abot. Dinaanan po kami pero hindi pa po kami sumama, hindi pa ako sumama sa kanila,” Rovilyn said.

Through the program’s daily reach out operations, she eventually accepted the DSWD’s help and began rebuilding her life.

In January 2026, she was finally persuaded by the DSWD social workers to stay temporarily at the Pag-abot Processing Center where they assessed her situation and determined the appropriate intervention.

The physical abuse she experienced from her husband was the major turning point in her decision.

“Yung asawa ko po, mapanakit po siya. Noong araw po na yun, natutulog po ako, sinampal niya po ako na halos matanggal yung ulo ko sa katawan ko. Natutulog ka, tapos uutusan lang pala akong magtimpla ng pancit canton niya. Natauhan po ako na gusto ko nang umuwi sa amin. Kaya po ako na-reach out ng Pag-abot,” Rovilyn narrated.

With the help of the Pag-abot Program, Rovilyn was provided with the necessary interventions and assistance to facilitate her return home.

“Noong nakarating po ako sa Pag-abot Program, nagkaroon ako ng lakas ng loob na gusto ko na pong umuwi sa amin kasi matagal na akong hindi nakauwi. Maraming salamat po sa Pag-abot Processing Center natulungan po nila akong makauwi,” she said.

Today, Rovilyn is encouraging other families and individuals in street situations (FISS) to seek help and prioritize their safety.

“Malaking tulong sa mga katulad kong natutulog sa kalye. Sa mga kaibigan kong natutulog, huwag na rin silang matulog sa kalye kasi napakadelikado,” Rovilyn said.

Looking back on her journey, she believes the program has helped change her life for the better.

“Malaking bagay po yung Pag-abot Program, malaking bagay po para sa akin. Nagbago po ang buhay ko, yung ugali ko po nagbago rin. Hindi na po ako matutulog ulit kahit saang kalye, kalsada kasi napakadelikado po,” an emotional Rovilyn shared. (YADP)