For families living on the streets, every day is a fight for survival. However, for Mr. Jeffrey Iglesia and his children, hope came in the form of the Pag-Abot Program, a lifeline extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that helps individuals and families move from hardship to healing, from displacement to dignity.

Originally found in a street situation in Enrile, Cagayan (Region II), Mr. Iglesia and his family were among those reached by the Pag-Abot team. Understanding their desire to return home and rebuild their lives, the team facilitated their reintegration in Caraga, bringing them back to their roots.

On June 3, 2025, Mr. Iglesia was officially sent home in Surigao City. Just weeks later, the family chose to resettle in Barangay Sani-Sani, Placer, Surigao del Norte—a move successfully coordinated and supported by the DSWD Field Office Caraga Pag-Abot Program team on June 23, 2025. What could have been a difficult transition became a hopeful beginning, thanks to careful planning and compassionate intervention.

The Pag-Abot Program goes beyond rescue and relocation—it is rooted in empowerment. To support his family’s recovery and independence, Mr. Iglesia received ₱80,000.00 in livelihood assistance from the program. With this, he is now set to open a sari-sari store, giving them not just an income source but a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

Reflecting on this life-changing support, Mr. Iglesia shared, “Ako mapasalamaton nga nakita ug natabangan ang among kalisud — nga nahatagan kami ug livelihood assistance ug labaw sa tanan, natabangan kami nga makauli dri sa among lugar kauban sa akung mga anak.”

The success of Mr. Iglesia’s reintegration also highlights the power of partnership. The Municipality of Placer extended additional support to strengthen the family’s foundation:₱10,000.00 for shelter assistance, ₱5,000.00 in food assistance, and Construction materials to renovate their sari-sari store.

These contributions reflect a growing local commitment to sustainable reintegration, ensuring that no family is left behind.

The Pag-Abot Program continues to serve as a beacon of hope, helping families like the Iglesia household not just to survive but to thrive. Through the combined efforts of national programs and local government units, lives are being rebuilt and communities are being restored—one family at a time