The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has intensified its Pag-abot Program this holiday season through its continuous reach-out operations and expanding livelihood opportunities to help families and individuals in street situation (FISS) and enable indigenous peoples (IPs) transition to safer and sustainable living conditions.
“As we welcome the holiday season, mahalaga sa amin na masiguro na walang naiiwan, especially our indigenous peoples communities and families on the streets na madalas dumadami sa syudad pagdating ng month of December,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said on Friday (December 5).
Last November 28, the DSWD extended livelihood support to Badjao communities in Zamboanga City through the provision of boats and fishing gears. These tools aim to reinforce their traditional means of livelihood and help them build more stable sources of income within their own communities.
The intervention, according to Asst. Secretary Dumlao, was designed to strengthen their agricultural livelihood and reduce the risks associated with street begging, while addressing the underlying economic challenges that push them to urban areas.
“Day-to-day talaga ang effort ng Pag-abot team. Ang goal talaga natin ay matulungan silang magkaroon ng sariling kabuhayan sa kanilang komunidad. Kasi ‘pag may stable sila na pinagkakakitaan, hindi na nila kailangang bumiyahe papunta sa mga syudad para magtrabaho o humingi ng tulong sa lansangan” Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out.
The DSWD spokesperson emphasized that these interventions form part of a broader strategy to ensure that vulnerable groups, especially indigenous peoples, have viable economic opportunities that prevent them from returning to the streets.
“Gusto natin na maramdaman nila na may gobyernong handang tumulong, at may programa silang maaasahan upang mamuhay nang mas ligtas at mas maayos,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the Pag-abot team conducted another operation on Thursday (December 4), to which 20 individuals agreed to be assisted and be transferred to the Pag-abot processing center in Pasay City.
“Ang mga indibidwal na nakukumbinse ng ating mga social workers sa araw-araw nilang paglibot sa Metro Manila ay dinadala natin sa ating processing center. Doon sila binibigyan ng kinakailangang interbensyon habang hinahanda natin sila sa kanilang pagbalik o reintegration sa kanilang place of origin,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said.
The DSWD spokesperson reiterated the Department’s commitment to sustaining these activities throughout the holiday season and beyond, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive continued support and avenues for long-term stability. (KI)
