Hidden within the bustling streets of Metro Manila and other Philippine cities is a crisis: thousands of Filipinos, including families and children, are homeless. They face daily struggles with hunger, exposure to the elements, and the threat of violence. Poverty, family breakdown, and displacement are significant factors, leaving many with an uncertain future.
In response to this growing issue, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, launched the Oplan Pag-Abot Project in July 2023.
This comprehensive program seeks to provide immediate relief and long-term support for the homeless, helping them escape the dangers of street life and rebuild their futures.
With the guidance of Executive Order No. 52, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the project was renamed the Pag-abot Program. This program brings together various government agencies, local authorities, and non-governmental organizations to provide targeted interventions that address the symptoms and root causes of homelessness.
The multi-sectoral approach
Pag-Abot Program adopts a multi-faceted approach, focusing on immediate aid and long-term solutions. The program addresses the immediate needs of families and individuals in street situations (FISS) by providing essential items like food, clothing, and hygiene products.
It also ensures access to healthcare, including medical check-ups, vaccinations, and mental health services, which are critical for those who have suffered from prolonged exposure to life on the streets.
For children, the Pag-Abot Program and the Department of Education prioritize enrollment in schools, offering educational support to help them succeed. Conversely, adults are given opportunities to acquire skills through training programs, increasing their chances for stable employment and economic independence through the help of the Department of Labor and Employment and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
One of the program’s key features is its emphasis on family reunification.
Through counseling and mediation, the Pag-Abot Program restores family bonds and ensures that children are reunited with their families whenever possible.
The program also advocates for broader policy reforms to address the systemic issues that contribute to homelessness, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and limited educational opportunities.
By collaborating with local communities and other stakeholders, the program helps reduce stigma, raise awareness, and promote the social inclusion of homeless individuals.
More Assistance
As of December 2023, the Pag-Abot Program had already assisted 1,787 FISS—comprising 1,251 family members and 536 unattached individuals, including vulnerable groups like children and older people—within Metro Manila.
The program continued its reach-out operations in 2024, helping 1,102 individuals and 1,481 families. These early results demonstrate significant progress, but the program’s long-term success will depend on continued funding, strong partnerships, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that support is effective and sustainable.
DSWD’s Pag-abot Program beneficiary dashboard (December 31, 2024) shows 4,370 reached: 838 children, 2,729 families, and 803 individuals. A total of 9,320 cases were profiled.
“Kahit pala ganito kami sa street, homeless kami, meron pa rin palang tutulong sa amin … Salamat po sa Pag-Abot Program,” said husband and wife Jayson at Eva. (“Even though we’re like this, living on the streets, homeless, there are still people who help us… Thank you to the Pag-Abot Program.”) After a concerned citizen reported them to the program, the couple returned home to their loved ones in Agusan del Norte.
“Sobrang saya po kasi nakakuha po ako ng tulong ng DSWD. Masusuportahan ko na po yung mga anak ko sa pag-aaral at magkakaroon po ako ng negosyo para sa mga anak ko,” (I am so happy because I received help from the DSWD. I can now support my children’s education and I will have a business for my children), said Marjorie Lihay-Lihay, a Pag-abot beneficiary.
According to Jayson Oabel, OIC-Division Chief, the DSWD’s Pag-Abot Program has assisted over 4,370 FISS as of December 31 this year, with over 3,889 returning home. The program’s commitment to fostering self-sufficiency is evident in its significant livelihood support initiatives, which include financial aid, transportation, and relocation allowances totaling Php 53 Million.
Before returning home, beneficiaries undergo pre-reintegration planning with DSWD and local government units (LGUs). Mass reach-out efforts in Metro Manila have intensified since the start of the holiday season to help those vulnerable to street dangers.
The success of the Pag-abot Program is not solely attributable to its financial resources but also its collaborative spirit. Strong partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies (NGAs) have ensured efficient resource allocation and effective program delivery. This multi-sectoral approach is key to the program’s sustainability and amplified impact.
The Future and Beyond
The future of the Pag-Abot Program looks promising, as Executive Order No. 52 has institutionalized the program and established an inter-agency committee to enhance its reach and impact.
By leveraging the resources and expertise of various government entities, the Pag-Abot Program aims to expand its efforts beyond Metro Manila and ultimately reach other regions of the country.
The goal is to ensure that no Filipino has to face life on the streets, offering every individual the opportunity to live a life of dignity, free from the hardships of homelessness.
As the Pag-Abot Program grows, it will both provide temporary relief and provide a long-term solution to one of the Philippines’ most pressing social challenges.
Through its multi-dimensional approach and the commitment of all involved, the program is poised to transform the lives of FISS, providing them with the support and opportunities they need to succeed. (PIA)
