More than 10,500 vulnerable families and individuals in street situations (FISS) nationwide have been reached by the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program, the agency said on Monday.

According to DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, a total of 10,570 beneficiaries have been assisted so far under the program, which aims to protect street dwellers and guide them toward safer and more stable living conditions.

“Ang Pag-abot Program ay patunay na may ginagawa ang DSWD para ilayo ang mga bata, pamilya, at indibidwal sa panganib ng lansangan. Hindi lang rescue ang ginagawa dito, kundi tuloy-tuloy na suporta tulad ng shelter, referral, at pangkabuhayan para magkaroon ng mas maayos at ligtas na panibagong buhay,” Dumlao said.

Dumlao said the program has so far assisted 1,296 children in street situations (CISS), 1,894 individuals in street situations (IISS), and 7,380 families in street situations (FISS) through sustained and coordinated daily field operations conducted by Pag-abot teams.

Through the program, beneficiaries are provided with comprehensive interventions, including temporary shelter in transitional facilities, referrals to DSWD residential care centers, transportation assistance for individuals and families returning to their home provinces, and livelihood packages aimed at reducing the risk of returning to street life.

“Sa bawat pamilyang naiuuwi sa kanilang probinsya at bawat batang nailalayo sa kapahamakan sa lansangan, nakikita ang tunay na layunin ng programa,” Dumlao said.

With the holiday season approaching, the DSWD expects an increase in street begging and vagrancy, underscoring the need for proactive interventions to protect vulnerable sectors, particularly children, from abuse, exploitation, and other risks associated with street living.

“Tuloy-tuloy po ito, hanggang sa dumating ang panahon na wala na tayong makikitang naninirahan sa kalsada, hindi po kami titigil sa pag-tulong. Kaya asahan pa yung pagtaas ng bilang ng aming mare-reach out,” Dumlao said.

The DSWD also urged public participation in safeguarding at-risk individuals and families. Reports and referrals may be submitted through the DSWD Pag-abot Program Facebook page, via hotline 8-931-9141 from Monday to Friday, or through email at pagabotprogram@dswd.gov.ph.

Dumlao said the department remains committed to reintegrating FISS beneficiaries into their communities of origin, providing appropriate social protection services, and pursuing long-term solutions to prevent a return to life on the streets.