For three decades, Saturnina B. Miyao—fondly known as Nanay Saturnina—lived far from the warmth of her family and the comfort of a real home. She spent years on the streets of Barangay Tabok in Mandaue City, Cebu, holding on to fragments of memory and a quiet hope she never completely lost.
Without a permanent roof over her head, access to basic services, or a support system to lean on, reconnecting with her family seemed almost impossible.
But all of that changed after Nanay Saturnina’s case was referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program by the Mandaue City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) following a report by a local bank management which expressed concern about her condition.
The DSWD Pag-abot team reached out to Nanay Saturnina and through patient engagement, counseling, and careful documentation, social workers began the delicate process of documenting her story.
With the support of the Ormoc City local government unit (LGU), they traced her relatives and gradually prepared both her and her family for a long-awaited reunion.
Much-awaited homecoming
Understanding the emotional and psychological weight of reuniting with her family after 30 years, the DSWD ensured that Nanay Saturnina first received psychosocial intervention, emotional preparation, and basic support before returning home.
Medical and psychological assessments later diagnosed her with T/C psychotic behavior, a condition that can cause delusions or hallucinations. Communication proved challenging, as many of Nanay Saturnina’s statements were fragmented or incoherent.
With the help of her niece, Jeramie, social workers were able to verify crucial details and piece together her family ties.
Jeramie was first contacted on September 11 by the DSWD’s Field Office 7 – Central Visayas with the help of the Ormoc City Social Welfare and Development Office. The niece also cares for Nanay Saturnina’s two older sibilings—Jose and Salome.
Following the verification process, the Pag-abot Team then closely coordinated with the Mandaue City LGU to accompany Nanay Saturnina on her journey home and ensure her safe reintegration into her community in Barangay Maticaa, Ormoc City in Leyte.
When the day finally arrived, it was more than a physical return—it was an emotional homecoming which took 3 decades to finally happen.
As Nanay Saturnina came face to face with her older brother Jose on November 27, recognition was not immediate. It was only when he introduced himself to his youngest sibling that her memory stirred.
“Ako man ni, Inday (It’s me, Inday),” Jose said.
Tears soon replaced decades of uncertainty as Nanay Saturnina embraced her family once more. For her loved ones, it marked the end of a long and painful search.
For Saturnina, it was proof that she had never been truly forgotten.
Now reunited with her family, she can finally rest in a bed of her own, surrounded by people who know her story and care for her well-being.
More than just a program
Nanay Saturnina’s journey is one of the many breakthroughs made possible through the Pag-abot Program, reflecting the DSWD’s commitment to inclusive, compassionate, and people-centered social protection.
For Nanay Saturnina, the path from the streets back to her family serves as a powerful reminder that even after 30 years, hope can still find its way home. And that sometimes, all it takes is a helping hand reaching out to meet someone exactly where they are.
The Pag-abot Program is a flagship initiative of the DSWD under Secretary Rex Gatchalian that assists families and individuals in street situations (FISS).
Since its launch in July 2023, the program has reached out to thousands of FISS who were cared for in centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs) or returned to their home provinces under the Department’s Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program (BP2) and given assistance to start life anew. (CC)
