DSWD’s Oplan Pag-Abot Rescues Over 1,400 from Street Hazards in Metro Manila

MANILA: The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) initiative, Oplan Pag-Abot, has successfully safeguarded 1,461 individuals from the dangers of street living in Metro Manila. This intervention includes families, children, and senior citizens previously residing on the streets.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs Irene Dumlao reported that since its launch in July, Oplan Pag-Abot has engaged with 871 family members and 590 unattached individuals across the National Capital Region (NCR). The program has provided various forms of assistance to these individuals, with 189 receiving support through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and 446 through the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-Asa Program (BP2).

Of those reached, 878 individuals have been referred to their respective local government units (LGUs) for further interventions, while 583 are currently under temporary residential care in DSWD-run Centers and Residential Care Facilities. Dumlao, who also serves as the data privacy officer and co-spokesperson of the agency, emphasized the ongoing efforts of social workers who patrol Metro Manila to encourage those living on the streets to accept assistance.

Prior to the intervention, over 1,500 individuals were profiled through environment scanning activities conducted by social workers. “Profiling is crucial to identify frequent locations of these families,” Dumlao noted.

In light of the holiday season, the DSWD has intensified the implementation of Oplan Pag-Abot through a special initiative, Oplan Pag-Abot sa Pasko, aimed at reaching out to more families and individuals who resort to begging on the streets during this time.

Oplan Pag-Abot stands as one of the DSWD’s flagship programs under the leadership of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, designed to provide necessary support and protection to individuals and families living in the streets by offering them appropriate interventions.