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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DSWD honors frontline social workers assisting homeless Filipinos

DSWD honors frontline social workers assisting homeless Filipinos

Published Jun 23, 2025 05:28 pm
DSWD FACEBOOK PAGE
DSWD FACEBOOK PAGE
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) paid tribute to its frontline social workers for their dedication to helping individuals and families in street situations, as the nation marked Filipino Social Workers Day.
As part of the celebration, DSWD dedicated the June 23 episode of its online documentary series, “Kwentong Angels in Red Vests,” to showcasing the work of its social workers deployed under the “Pag-abot Program.”
The episode highlighted the teams’ daily efforts to locate and assist homeless individuals in Metro Manila, focusing especially on high-risk areas such as under bridges and near drainage systems.
“Sa ngayon ang pinagtutuunan ng pansin ng Oplan Pag-abot ay mga bridges, mga drainage system. Ngayon mga ilalim ng tulay ang pupuntahan natin (Right now, Oplan Pag-abot is focusing on bridges and drainage systems. Today, we’ll be going to areas under the bridges),” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in one field operation.
Once individuals are reached, social workers begin case management and provide a package of services including medical aid, psychosocial intervention, and long-term livelihood support.
Gatchalian said the teams are also working double-time to prioritize the safety and protection of families in street situations, especially with the onset of the rainy season.
“Importante sa amin mailikas sila ngayon na nag-uulan na. Mai-make sure na safe sila, maka-sure na meron silang tinitirhan (It’s important for us to relocate them now that the rainy season has started. We need to make sure they are safe and have a place to stay),” he said.
He added that the goal is not just to provide material support but also to restore the self-worth and dignity of those being assisted.
“Hindi lang materyal na bagay ang ating itinutulong kundi ibinabalik din natin ang pag-asa na magkaroon ng panibagong buhay ang ating mga mamamayan na nire-reach out mula sa lansangan (We do not only provide material assistance, but we also restore hope for a new life to our fellow citizens reached out from the streets),” he said.
The Pag-abot Program was institutionalized through Executive Order No. 52, signed on Jan. 18, 2024, as one of the Marcos administration’s flagship programs.
It aims to unify and strengthen the delivery of social protection services for vulnerable and disadvantaged Filipinos in street situations.

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DSWD Pag-Abot Program Secretary Rex Gatchalian
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