DSWD to launch 3 programs for teen moms, kids with disabilities, abuse survivors

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will launch three new programs this year that will deliver appropriate interventions to sectors such as adolescent mothers, children with disabilities and their families, and young survivors of online sexual abuse and exploitation.

DSWD Rex Gatchalian announced the new programs in his New Year’s video message.

“Makakaasa kayo na ang DSWD ay patuloy na magtatrabaho para masigurado natin na ang pag-asa ay mamamayani sa ating mga pamilyang Pilipino. Sa darating na 2026, excited kami dahil may mga bago na namang programa ang DSWD na ilulunsad,” Gatchalian said.

(You can be assured that the DSWD will continue to work to ensure that Filipino families will continue to have hope. In 2026, we are excited because the DSWD will launch new programs.)

A soon-to-be-launched initiative is the Psychosocial Support and Other Interventions for Adolescent Mothers and their Families Project (ProtecTEEN).

ProtecTEEN is the DSWD’s psychosocial-centered support for adolescent mothers to help them face challenges and their circumstances and eventually push them to become productive members of society.

Another program is Project Aruga, a community-based initiative that supports children with disabilities and their families through financial assistance and other support services.

Gatchalian said the DSWD will also roll out Project SAFE that seeks to strengthen prevention, protection, recovery, and safe reintegration mechanisms for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) victim-survivors and prevent re-victimization.

“Sinisigurado natin na nailalayo natin mula sa panganib na activities online ang ating mga kabataan,” he said.

(We will ensure that we will protect our youths from dangerous online activities.)

He said the DSWD will continue carrying out its programs and services in 2026 to ensure that assistance and hope reach Filipino families across the country.

“Dito sa DSWD, trabaho namin na tumulong at ang financial assistance. Trabaho rin namin ang maibalik ang pag-asa sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Gatchalian said.

(Here at the DSWD, it is our job to help and extend financial assistance. It is also our job to restore hope to every Filipino family.) — JMA, GMA Integrated News