QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- As part of Oplan Pag-Abot, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is increasing its efforts to reach more families and individuals in street situations (FISS) in Metro Manila.

To assure that no vulnerable individuals or households living on the streets go without assistance, Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communication Romel Lopez stated that in October, Oplan Pag-Abot teams will expand their outreach efforts to include Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Makati.

According to Assistant Secretary Lopez, the Pag-Abot teams have reached more than 470 individuals since September 22. This number includes 195 members of 63 households, 213 unattached adults, and 63 unattached children in Manila, Pasay, Caloocan, Parañaque, Taguig, and Quezon City. They have also consistently conducted outreach operations since its pilot run in July.

Once identified, these individuals and their families are moved to residential care facilities and centers run by the DSWD, where they will be given temporary housing, case management, and other necessary assistance.

The rights and well-being of the affected people are prioritized throughout these operations, Assistant Secretary Lopez emphasized, and they are given the necessary treatment and assistance.

The DSWD is also conducting environmental scanning and profiling activities in other parts of Metro Manila, such as Taguig, Pateros, Pasig, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Malabon, Navotas, and Marikina. To better plan future outreach efforts, these activities help evaluate the conditions and needs of the families and individuals in these places.

Various organizations, including the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), local government units (LGUs), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), work together to carry out these initiatives.

Rex Gatchalian, the secretary of DSWD, is a leading proponent of Oplan Pag-Abot, an effort to help and support individuals and families living on the streets by offering them the proper interventions and support. (PIA-NCR)