The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga is gearing up to enhance the delivery of programs and services under the Pag-abot Program, following today’s coordination meeting with the Regional Inter-Agency Committee (RIAC) and the Technical Working Group (TWG) of Pag-abot held today at The Pavilion, Watergate Hotel, Butuan City.

DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor A. Dollaga, along with Assistant Regional Director for Operations Jean Paul Parajes, Assistant Regional Director for Administration Tristan Telen, and personnel from the Pag-abot Program Caraga Regional Program Management Office (RPMO), led the discussion along with the representatives from various national government agencies and local government units. Joining virtually via Google Meet were Gleen Mark Lacibar, Social Welfare Officer III, and Decerie Lanuza, Social Welfare Officer II, from the Pag-abot National Program Management Office (NPMO), who provided technical guidance and responded to queries raised during the discussions.

The participants actively engaged in a discussion focused on aligning strategies, clarifying roles, and strengthening coordination among partner agencies to ensure a more responsive and integrated approach in assisting individuals and families in street situations. The discussion also emphasized existing gaps in the program’s rollout, allowed for the sharing of best practices among partners, and resulted in a collective commitment to strengthen referral systems and streamline case management protocols for more responsive service delivery.

“Our meeting today seeks to harmonize our efforts and reinforce inter-agency coordination to further improve the delivery of services to the beneficiaries we have reached out to under the Pag-abot Program—a flagship initiative authored by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian that embodies the department’s commitment to inclusive and compassionate public service,” said Dir. Dollaga.

“Through the Pag-abot Program, we are not only responding to the immediate needs of individuals and families in street situations, but we are also contributing to the broader goals of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision—one that champions inclusive development, dignified service delivery, and a whole-of-nation approach to social transformation,” Dir. Dollaga added.

Participants also reviewed the current accomplishments of the program and laid out action plans for expanded coverage and improved service delivery.

The DSWD Field Office Caraga affirmed its commitment to leading the program rollout in coordination with partner agencies, emphasizing a rights-based and inclusive approach to social protection.

With strengthened coordination and shared responsibilities, the agency aims to reach more beneficiaries and create lasting impact through consistent and collaborative program implementation under the program.

The Pag-abot Program seeks to reach individuals and families in street situations and support their reintegration into society by providing access to essential social welfare services, including temporary shelter, employment, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities.