DSWD defends P80K aid for viral Makati woman, says help available for street dwellers

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has defended its decision to grant P80,000 in livelihood assistance to a woman who went viral for crawling out of a sewer in Makati City last week.

In a media briefing, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian explained that the aid is part of the agency’s “Pag-abot Program,” launched in 2023 to help families and individuals living in the streets.

“Every day, thousands of our fellow citizens come to our offices, and the president’s order is that all who need help will be assisted, whether it’s medical assistance, burial assistance, or various kinds of aid,” Gatchalian said on Tuesday, June 3.

He clarified the situation involving the viral case, stressing it was a result of a careful assessment by licensed social workers.

“Part of the response of our ‘Pag-abot’ program in 2023 was based on the President’s instruction that no Filipino family should live on the streets. Over a hundred social workers go around the streets of Metro Manila every day to encourage those living on the streets to join us for intervention — temporary housing, livelihood assistance,” said Gatchalian.

On the P80,000 amount, he said it was based on DSWD guidelines and the assessment of a licensed social worker.

Gatchalian added that the woman, named Rose, is not a unique case, as thousands of families and individuals living on the streets have been helped through the program, receiving varying amounts depending on their situation.

“There is a condition to this aid. It is not given in one lump sum, as in the case of Rose. It is given in tranches with supervision and monitoring by a social worker. This means the social worker watches over her progress. The assistance isn’t simply given and forgotten — we even accompany her to the store to buy initial stocks for her business. Afterwards, social workers conduct home visits to check if Rose’s life is improving,” Gatchalian explained.

When asked about those who live in informal settlements and do not have enough to eat but want to avail of livelihood assistance, Gatchalian said the DSWD also has the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“We help them start small businesses or develop skills to become employable. All details are published on our social media accounts, explaining who and how to apply. The key point is that DSWD helps everyone who needs help,” he said.

The woman became the subject of online buzz after a viral photo showed her emerging from a manhole in Makati.

The agency encourages the public to report similar cases so DSWD social workers can provide assistance to more people living in difficult conditions.