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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD appeals for compassion for woman mocked after receiving P80,000 assistance

DSWD appeals for compassion for woman mocked after receiving P80,000 assistance

Published Jun 3, 2025 11:39 am
DSWD
DSWD

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has called on the public to stop ridiculing “Rose,” a homeless woman who received P80,000 in livelihood assistance through the agency’s “Pag-Abot Program.”

In a statement, Gatchalian expressed concern over the online jokes, memes, and negative comments targeting Rose after a photo of her emerging from a drainage in Makati City went viral on social media.

“Sabi nga nila, hindi naman nila hiningi yung P80,000. Hindi niya sadyang pumunta doon sa drainage. Hindi naman siya ang lumapit sa atin. Nagkataon lang talaga na napiktyuran siya (She and her partner said they didn’t ask for the P80,000. Rose did not intentionally go to the drainage. She wasn’t the one who approached us. It just so happened that she was photographed),” he clarified.

Gatchalian explained that the P80,000 aid was provided based on the assessment of a DSWD social worker and falls within the official guidelines of the Pag-Abot Program, which offers cash assistance ranging from P10,000 to P80,000 to individuals and families in street situations.

The Pag-Abot Program was institutionalized through Executive Order No. 52 in 2024 as part of the government’s efforts to assist vulnerable populations, including those living on the streets.

While welcoming public scrutiny of government programs, Gatchalian stressed that criticism should be directed at the agency and not at the individuals it supports.

“Nakikita niya nagiging meme na siya, yung storya niya. Sabi niya sana wag gawing biro yung storya niya. Nasasaktan siya (Rose sees that her story is being turned into a meme. She hopes her story will not be made a joke. She is hurt),” he added.

Gatchalian appealed to the public to show compassion and refrain from targeting victims, especially those like Rose who have endured significant hardships living on the streets.

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DSWD Rex Gatchalian drainage Pag-Abot Program P80000
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