The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expanding its “Pag-Abot Program” to reach more vulnerable individuals, children, and families in street situations in Central Luzon (Region 3) and Calabarzon (Region 4A).

In a statement on Friday, March 14, DSWD Undersecretary for Innovations and Program Development Edu Punay explained that the expansion demonstrates the agency's continued commitment to assisting the most vulnerable sectors of society.

“With the institutionalization of the Pag-Abot Program under Executive Order No. 52, the program is now scaling up to provide wider and more sustainable support at the regional level,” Punay said.

The DSWD field office in Calabarzon began its reach-out activities on March 3 in Bacoor City (Cavite); Lucena City (Quezon); and Antipolo City and Cainta (Rizal).

Meanwhile, the DSWD field office in Central Luzon will commence its reach-out efforts by the second quarter of 2025.

Launched in the National Capital Region (NCR) in 2023, the Pag-Abot Program has already reached 3,037 families, 880 children, and 960 individuals living in street situations.

Among the total, 519 individuals received aid under the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, while 990 benefited from care services in agency-managed centers and residential care facilities.

In addition, 4,113 beneficiaries were successfully reintegrated into their respective provinces.

In preparation for the program’s expansion, the DSWD’s Pag-abot Regional Program Management Offices in Central Luzon and Calabarzon underwent a series of orientation and training activities to ensure the smooth implementation of the outreach process.

As part of the capacity-building efforts, a “Lakbay Aral” learning trip was conducted in Cainta, Rizal on Jan. 13, and in Pasay City and Caloocan City on Feb. 6-7.

“These activities allowed regional personnel to observe best practices firsthand and gain insights into effective street reach-out strategies. During the visits, the Pag-abot National PMO also demonstrated the use of key program tools, including the e-profiling tool, which enhances data collection and case management,” Punay said.