DSWD seeks interagency support for Oplan Pag-Abot

SOCIAL Welfare and Development Secretary Rexlon «Rex» Gatchalian has sought a more comprehensive package of services and interventions for families and individuals in street situations (FISS) from key government agencies for Oplan Pag-Abot.

Gatchalian requested support on Wednesday from member agencies in achieving the targets outlined by Executive Order (EO) 52 to improve and unify the delivery of services to vulnerable and disadvantaged FISS through the deployment of social safety nets.

«They are in the streets because the state fails them. Now, it is time for us to make up for our shortcomings — we, the state — by providing them with the necessary social protection that they need, and we really need your help with it,» Gatchalian said.

On January 18, Malacañang issued EO 52, formalizing and expanding the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Oplan Pag-Abot by establishing an interagency committee to oversee outreach efforts.

The committee will be chaired by the DSWD secretary, with the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) serving as vice chairman, according to the EO.

«The DSWD will particularly need assistance and support from the member agencies in providing post-reach-out care services to the assisted clients who are exposed to hazards and abuses,» Gatchalian said.

«We are planning to tighten a package together with all of you — a comprehensive package of aftercare for them, whether you help them farm or start a business,» he added.

Individuals who used to live in the streets now receive various interventions through Oplan Pag-Abot, including medical help, food aid, transportation and relocation assistance, livelihood opportunities, transitory family support packages, and emergency financial and transitory shelter assistance.

«This is not by force; we convince them until they come with us. That is the main thrust as it is a rights-based approach,» Gatchalian said.

The member agencies are the Department of Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Development Authority, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.