For twenty long years, Jimuel Baldo Timbogan dreamed of going home to Trento, Agusan del Sur. The years in Manila hardened him, years marked by hardship, separation from family, and battles for survival. But thanks to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program, that dream has finally turned into reality.

“Dahil sa effort ninyo, nakauwi ako dito sa amin [Trento], at higit pa roon, nabigyan pa ako ng livelihood assistance para makapagsimula muli,” Jimuel said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Born in, 1990 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, Jimuel was the third among seven children of Susan and Bienvenido Timbogan. Like many young men from the province, he dreamed of helping his family and sought opportunities outside Caraga.

At just 15, he journeyed to Manila with the promise of work. But upon arriving, reality struck; he had been illegally recruited. The job he was promised never existed. To survive, he endured exploitative work without pay until he eventually found himself living on the streets of Luneta.

“Wala akong makain noon, kaya sa bangketa ako natutulog at umaasa lang sa bigay ng mga dumadaan,” Jimuel recalled.

“Kung wala ang mga taong naawa at nag-abot ng tinapay o tubig, baka hindi ko kinaya,” he added.

His life took a turn when the Captain of Brgy. 666, Ermita offered him work as a laborer and later as a barangay tanod. Though modest, the job gave him a sense of stability and dignity.

Along the way, Jimuel built romantic relationships and eventually became a father. But both relationships ended painfully, with family disputes and separation keeping him away from his children. Despite the distance and difficulties, he tried his best to provide financial support whenever he could.

Then came year 2021, when he faced one of his deepest regrets; being unable to come home when his mother passed away. It was a painful reminder of the years he had spent away, and of the many moments with family that he had already lost.

“Masakit man isipin na noong pumanaw ang aking ina, hindi ako nakauwi dahil sa hirap ng buhay at kawalan ng pamasahe,” he shared.

After years of hardship, Jimuel sought help. On July 8, 2025, he reached out to the Walang Gutom Kitchen and was immediately referred to the Pag-abot Program. The support he received included temporary shelter, food, and reintegration assistance.

Finally, on August 26, 2025, Jimuel was reintegrated into Barangay Cebolin, Trento, Agusan del Sur. More than just the homecoming, he was also granted livelihood assistance, a vital stepping stone toward rebuilding his life. With the support he received, he plans to purchase a “bao-bao” unit which he will use for driving for public transport, giving him a steady means of earning a living as he starts anew.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Pag-abot Program, kay Secretary Rex Gatchalian, at kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sa tulong na ibinigay ninyo sa akin. Dahil sa livelihood assistance, magkakaroon ako ng sariling ‘bao-bao’ para sa pamamasada, at ito ang magiging paraan ko para muling makapagsimula at makapaghanapbuhay nang marangal,” he said.

Now living with his father in their old but welcoming home, Jimuel is determined to make the most out of his second chance. His father’s house may still need repairs, and his livelihood may be just beginning, but the foundation of hope is once again firm beneath his feet.

For Jimuel, coming home is more than a return to the place of his childhood; it is a return to dignity, family, and possibility.

“Sa 20 taon ko sa Maynila, akala ko hindi na ako makakauwi. Kung hindi dahil sa inyo, hindi ko makakasama muli ang pamilya ko rito,” he said.

Life ahead remains uncertain, but with renewed hope and the support of the community, Jimuel is ready to rebuild, step by step, toward a more stable and dignified future.

The Pag-abot Program of DSWD is a convergence initiative that reaches out to individuals and families in street situations (ISS) by addressing their immediate needs and helping them transition toward stability. It provides food, temporary shelter, medical aid, and other essential services while linking beneficiaries to social protection programs, livelihood opportunities, and community reintegration efforts. Ultimately, the program seeks to uphold dignity, protect rights, and promote long-term self-reliance for those living and working on the streets.