The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is expanding its Pag-Abot Program to the regions of Central Luzon (Region 3) and CALABARZON to better assist children, individuals and families in street situations.

Undersecretary Edu Punay of the DSWD’s Innovations and Program Development Group (IPDG) announced the expansion on Friday, noting that it is in response to the directive from Secretary Rex Gatchalian. This move, he emphasized, demonstrates the agency’s commitment to reaching vulnerable sectors by addressing the unique challenges faced by people living in street situations.

“With the institutionalization of the Pag-Abot Program under Executive Order No. 52, the program is now scaling up to provide more comprehensive and sustainable support at the regional level,” Undersecretary Punay explained.

The DSWD’s Field Office in CALABARZON officially kicked off its first reach-out activities on 3 March, with outreach in Bacoor City (Cavite), Lucena City (Quezon), and Antipolo City and Cainta (Rizal). The agency’s Field Office in Central Luzon is set to begin its own reach-out operations by the second quarter of 2025.

Since its launch in 2023 in the National Capital Region, the Pag-Abot Program has already reached 3,037 families, 880 children and 960 individuals living in street situations. Among these beneficiaries, 519 individuals received assistance under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, 990 people were provided care services through agency-managed centers and residential care facilities, and 4,113 individuals have successfully been reintegrated into their respective provinces.

To ensure the smooth implementation of the program expansion, the DSWD’s Pag-Abot Regional Program Management Offices in Central Luzon and CALABARZON have undergone extensive orientation and training on reach-out processes. This training aims to guarantee safe, effective and efficient program operations in the new regions.

As part of the preparation efforts, the DSWD conducted a series of "Lakbay Aral" activities to expose regional personnel to best practices. These events took place in Cainta, Rizal on 13 January, and in Pasay City and Caloocan City on 6-7 February. During these activities, the Pag-Abot National PMO demonstrated the use of key program tools, including the e-profiling tool, which aids in data collection and case management.

“These activities provided our regional personnel with invaluable insights into effective street reach-out strategies, allowing them to observe successful practices firsthand,” Undersecretary Punay said, emphasizing the importance of preparation and collaboration in the program’s expansion.

The DSWD’s expanded efforts aim to provide more holistic and sustainable support to individuals and families in street situations, helping them reintegrate into society and improve their quality of life.