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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD opens new processing center to provide immediate assistance to those living on Metro Manila's streets

DSWD opens new processing center to provide immediate assistance to those living on Metro Manila's streets

Published Apr 1, 2024 12:53 pm

Department of Social and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian ordered its personnel to expedite the full operation of the new “Oplan Pag-Abot” program processing center in Pasay City following its ceremonial blessing on Monday, April 1.

The Pag-Abot Program, which was introduced in July 2023 as a DSWD priority initiative, is presently being carried out in Metro Manila to reach out to individuals who are homeless and offering them opportunities to improve their social and economic circumstances and realize their basic rights.

Executive Order No. 52, issued by President Marcos Jr., institutionalized the program to improve and streamline the provision of social safety nets to underprivileged and vulnerable groups living on the streets.

“In 15-30 days, move in ready na tayo para makabawas tayo sa mga care facilities (we should be ready to move in so we can reduce the number of people in care facilities),” Gatchalian told the Pag-Abot Team during his inspection of the facility on Monday.

“It would lessen the burden of the DSWD-run centers and residential care facilities currently catering to the reached-out individuals,” he added.

Located along Williams Street, the facility occupies the second floor of a six-story building that was formerly occupied by a Philippine Overseas Gaming Operation firm.

The DSWD converted it into a processing hub for its outreach initiatives in Metro Manila.

Gatchalian said the new facility will also serve as a temporary shelter for families and individuals in street situations before they are reintegrated into their families.

The designated processing center for the Pag-Abot program has 167 rooms, where initial intake procedures, profiling, interviews, and assessment of reached-out individuals and families will be conducted by social workers.

Once fully operational, the center will also offer a range of services, including temporary housing, a family area, a child-friendly space, a breastfeeding area, and a Philippine Statistics Authority registration booth.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian noted that proper infrastructure inspection still needs to be conducted to ensure that the facility is safe from hazards like fire incidents.

Joining the DSWD secretary during the ceremonial blessing and inspection were DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations Edu Punay, Assistant Secretary for Statutory Programs Ada Colico, and Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, and Attached and Supervised Agencies Elaine Fallarcuna, as well as Social Technology Bureau Director Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo and Director Rowela Hizon of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Statutory Program.

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