DSWD aiding abducted street dweller's child through Pag-Abot Program

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is extending aid to a family of street dwellers whose one-year-old daughter was abducted and used by another street dweller in begging for alms.

In a statement on Monday, Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao also condemned the abduction of the child, who was eventually returned to her parents last week.

“Abducting a child is a grave and unacceptable act, and the department strongly condemns any form of exploitation of children,” she said.

“We remind all parents and guardians to be vigilant and never entrust their children to strangers under any circumstance,” Dumlao added.

Following the child’s safe return to her parents, the DSWD Pag-Abot team conducted an evaluation and confirmed that the family qualified under the homeless or street-dwelling category of the program.

The DSWD will conduct a second round of assessment to determine the specific interventions that are appropriate for the family.

This may include potential livelihood assistance or employment opportunities, considering the father’s experience in construction work.

“The DSWD stands ready to provide the necessary support to ensure that this family does not return to the streets and is given a fair opportunity to rebuild stability and security,” Dumlao said.

The one-year-old child was abducted on December 10 in Barangay San Bartolome, Quezon City. She was eventually returned to her parents on December 16.

It was learned that the 20-year-old suspect was another street dweller who allegedly used the child to beg for alms.

The DSWD learned that the family has been living and begging on the streets since September after the father lost his job as a construction worker.

Social workers visited the couple and their child in Barangay Fortune, Marikina City, where they temporarily relocated after recovering their child.

The Pag-Abot Program is the DSWD’s platform for an enhanced and unified delivery of services to vulnerable and disadvantaged children, individuals, and families in street situations.

The program providers various social safety nets and protection against risks brought about by poverty, such as livelihood assistance, employment opportunities, aid in returning to the provinces, etc. — JMA, GMA Integrated News