DSWD Appeals to Stop Ridiculing Rose Amid Livelihood Aid Controversy
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has called on the public to stop ridiculing Rose, a homeless woman who recently received P80,000 in livelihood assistance through the agency’s Pag-Abot Program. The story of Rose sparked widespread discussion after a photo of her emerging from a drainage in Makati City went viral on social media.
“Sabi nga nila, hindi naman nila hiningi yung P80,000. Hindi niya sadyang pumunta doon sa drainage. Hindi naman siya ang lumapit sa atin. Nagkataon lang talaga na napiktyuran siya,” Gatchalian explained, emphasizing that Rose and her partner did not ask for the aid, nor did she intentionally go to the drainage. It was simply a coincidence that she was photographed there.
Understanding the Pag-Abot Program and Aid Process
The P80,000 assistance Rose received was granted after a thorough assessment by a DSWD social worker. The aid falls within the guidelines of the Pag-Abot Program, which provides cash assistance ranging from P10,000 to P80,000 to individuals and families living in street situations. This program was institutionalized through Executive Order No. 52 in 2024 to support vulnerable groups, especially those experiencing homelessness.
Secretary Gatchalian acknowledged the public’s right to scrutinize government programs. However, he urged that any criticism should be directed at the system and not at the individuals who are beneficiaries of such assistance.
“Nakikita niya nagiging meme na siya, yung storya niya. Sabi niya sana wag gawing biro yung storya niya. Nasasaktan siya,” he shared, highlighting Rose’s pain over her story becoming the subject of online jokes and memes.
Call for Compassion Towards Vulnerable Individuals
The DSWD chief strongly appealed to the public to show empathy and respect toward vulnerable individuals like Rose. Victims of hardship deserve dignity, not ridicule. Their stories reflect real struggles, and public discourse should be sensitive to their experiences.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about how society treats homeless individuals and the importance of supporting government programs aimed at uplifting them.
For more news and updates on livelihood aid, visit Filipinokami.com.