The Department of Social Welfare and Development‘s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program has reiterated its appeal to the public to refrain from giving alms to children in street situations, homeless individuals, and members of Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) groups, especially during the holiday season.
“Alam po natin ang ating mga kababayan, ngayong Ber months, ay talaga pong natural na mapagbigay, tumutulong, nagbibigay ng tulong, maawain. Iyon po yung gusto nating i-correct at i-educate yung ating public na hindi po tamang magbigay ng tulong o ng limos sa kalsada. Mayroon po tayong mga proper channels or venues para po magbigay ng kanilang tulong o donasyon,” Pag-abot Program OIC-Division Chief (DC) Jennifer Casañas said.
Casañas emphasized that one of the proper platforms to help families and individuals in street situations (FISS) is through the agency’s Pag-abot Program, which operates year-round.
“Ito po ay mainstay program na po ng DSWD, ibig sabihin hindi po tayo tumatakbo seasonal. Araw-araw po talaga tayong nagri-reach out activity sa mga target LGUs (local government units) po natin, and even nationwide,” she said.
The Pag-abot Program, which began in 2023 and was institutionalized through Executive Order (EO) No. 52 in January 2024, offers a wide array of comprehensive interventions, as well as opportunities, to improve the social and economic status and fundamental rights of the target clientele.
Casañas pointed out that the program utilizes the rights-based approach in reaching out to people living and staying on the streets.
Concerned citizens may report sightings of FISS to the Pag-abot Program through their email, pagabotprogram@dswd.gov.ph, or through their Facebook page, DSWD Pag-abot Program.
As of the latest data, the Pag-Abot Program has already profiled around 14,000 individuals and reached out to more than 7,000 FISS.
Of the total, more than 6,000 have received necessary interventions, including livelihood assistance, temporary shelter, and counseling, among others.
