DSWD Pag-Abot Program: How It Helps Street Dwellers and How You Can Help Them Too

What is the DSWD Pag-Abot Program?

Read this article in Filipino / Basahin ang artikulong ito sa Filipino

The Pag-Abot Program is one of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) most important services for street dwellers in the Philippines. Launched under Executive Order No. 52 (2024), Pag-Abot aims to help Families and Individuals in Street Situations (FISS) by providing not just temporary relief, but long-term support.

The program sends DSWD mobile outreach teams to streets, parks, markets, and terminals to locate and assist people living in public spaces. The goal is to help them move off the streets and build a more stable life.

Services Offered by Pag-Abot

The DSWD Pag-Abot Program offers a complete package of support:

• Immediate relief: food, clothing, hygiene kits, temporary shelter

• Healthcare: access to medical care and mental health services

• Education: support for children and adults (Alternative Learning System, formal schooling)

• Skills training and livelihood: up to ₱80,000 in livelihood support for those who qualify, along with job matching or training

• Family reunification: help reconnecting with family when possible

All services are provided voluntarily — street dwellers are never forced to participate.

Who Can Benefit from Pag-Abot?

The program is open to all street dwellers in the Philippines, including:

• Individuals living on sidewalks, parks, or terminals

• Families living on the street

• Street children and youth

• Elderly people living on the street

• Persons with disabilities (PWDs) who are homeless

You do not need an ID to receive assistance.
The person must simply agree to receive help and participate in the program.

Where Is Pag-Abot Available?

As of mid-2025, Pag-Abot operates in key cities and is expanding:

• Metro Manila: Makati, Manila, Quezon City, Pasay, Pasig

• Visayas: Cebu City, Negros Occidental

• Mindanao: Davao City, Zamboanga City

• Northern Luzon: Baguio City, Tuguegarao City

Over 5,000 street dwellers and families have been helped so far.
DSWD plans to expand Pag-Abot to all 17 regional field offices by late 2025.

How Can You Help a Street Dweller Access Pag-Abot?

Many street dwellers do not know about Pag-Abot or may not understand how to get help. You can play an important role in connecting them with DSWD.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Report Their Location

Call or message the DSWD Field Office in your region or contact the DSWD Central Office:
Telephone: (02) 8931-8101
National hotline: 8888

Give the street location or landmark where the person or family is staying. DSWD will send an outreach team.

2. Talk to the Person (Using Simple Language)

Many street dwellers may be afraid or confused about government services. Use words they can understand:

• “May tulong na puwedeng ibigay ang DSWD. Libre po ito.”

• “Tutulungan kayo sa pagkain, damit, bahay, o pag-aaral ng mga bata.”

• “Kung gusto n’yo, puwede rin kayong matulungan makahanap ng trabaho o magtayo ng tindahan.”

Reassure them that this is not a punishment and they will not be jailed or penalized.

3. Help Them Stay in Contact

If the person agrees, help them contact DSWD or arrange a time when they can meet with an outreach worker.

Budget and Funding

Pag-Abot is a fully funded national program:

• ₱300 million allocated in 2024

• ₱800 million proposed in the 2025 DSWD budget

• Part of the ₱226.8 billion total DSWD budget for 2025

The program is designed to be sustainable and expanding, with clear government commitment.

How Street Dwellers Are Assisted (Step-by-Step)

• Outreach team identifies the person or family.

• DSWD conducts a simple interview and gets consent.

• Initial support is given — food, shelter, healthcare, and documentation if needed.

• Person or family enters the program — education, skills training, livelihood support, or family reunification.

• Long-term case management — DSWD monitors progress and supports reintegration.

Street dwellers do not need to apply formally — the outreach team brings the program to them.

Why You Should Help Spread Awareness

Many people living on the street do not know Pag-Abot exists. Some are afraid to talk to government workers. Others do not understand English or even Filipino well.

By helping explain Pag-Abot in simple terms, and connecting street dwellers to DSWD, you can change a life.

In Summary

• Pag-Abot is a real, funded, nationwide DSWD program.

• It offers food, shelter, education, healthcare, and up to ₱80,000 in livelihood aid.

• It works through outreach — no application needed.

• The public can help by reporting locations of street dwellers and explaining the program to them.

If you know someone living on the street:
Call DSWD Field Office or hotline 8888.
Talk to the person kindly and explain Pag-Abot.
You may be the reason someone finally chooses to accept help.