Dion, a young boy, and his mother, Angie Bangate, were once among the many street vendors seen along the roads of Metro Manila.

For years, Angie supported her household by selling sampaguita. Economic hardship eventually forced her to bring Dion with her to the crowded streets, an act born not of choice but of necessity.

“We sell sampaguita. I only brought him with me once — that was when the team in Greenhills reached him. I did it because of desperation. The earnings were for their daily school allowance and to pay for rent, water and electricity. We were terrified because we didn’t know if it was the DSWD who had picked him up,” Angie recalled.

Young and eager to help, Dion wanted to lighten his mother’s burden. “I just wanted to go with her so I could help — so we could buy food and milk for my younger sibling,” he said.

It was his first time assisting his mother in that way, unaware that the moment would lead to his rescue and assessment under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program.

Through the intervention of the Pag-abot Team, Angie and Dion learned about the dangers of having children work or remain on the streets. The program ensured Dion’s safety and continued education, while also helping Angie rebuild their livelihood.

“They explained to us that it is really prohibited for children to be involved in vending. He is now continuing his studies,” Angie said.

Sports bring normalcy

Today, Dion is doing well in school and enjoys playing volleyball — a newly discovered passion that reflects the sense of normalcy restored to his daily life.

Angie later received cash assistance to set up a small sari-sari store, marking a turning point for the family. “This sari-sari store helps us improve our situation, even just a little. We’re somehow more at ease now — we finally have a source of income compared to before,” she shared.

The changes brought relief and dignity to the family, giving Dion the space to be a child again simply.

With Christmas approaching, the family can look forward to a celebration that was once out of reach. “I’m happy every day as long as my children are healthy. As long as we can eat daily, I’m already content,” Angie said, describing her meaningful yet straightforward wish.

She also offered a message to parents and children still struggling on the streets: “Value the help that is given to you. Think of the welfare of our children who are still on the streets, and don’t allow them to be forced into earning a living.”

To assist more families and individuals in street situations, the DSWD continues to strengthen and expand its Pag-abot Program.

Recently, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian inaugurated the Pag-abot Processing Center in San Fernando, Pampanga. The facility serves as a temporary shelter for individuals and families rescued from the streets of Pampanga and nearby provinces.

The new processing center also reflects enhanced cooperation between national and local government units to deliver faster, more accessible social services to Filipinos in need — like Dion and Angie.

Their story shows what becomes possible when assistance meets determination. Through the Pag-abot Program, a future once overshadowed by hardship now shines with hope, learning and safety.

This Christmas marks not only a festive season for the family, but a new beginning — shaped by compassion, opportunity, and the belief that every child deserves protection and a chance at a better life.

Dion and Angie’s journey reflects the growing impact of efforts to reach vulnerable families and guide them toward stability and dignity.