Jodilyn and her family, once beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa (BP2) Program and later endorsed to the Pag-Abot Program in 2024, were reintegrated back to Masbate from Mandaluyong City. To help them rebuild their lives, the family received livestock livelihood project, a carabao and a cow in particular, from the Department intended to support their daily needs and sustain their long-term recovery.
But their lives took a familiar turn once again. After having a conflict in their barangay, the family decided to relocate in Malimono, Surigao del Norte. Difficult choices had to be made. To cover the expenses of the relocation, they were left with no other choice but to sell their livestock livelihood.
Jodilyn’s husband managed to land a job as a construction laborer, giving them hope in their first step toward rebuilding. But the irregular earnings were insufficient. Their attempt to start over failed due to the lack of stable income and support, eventually leading to homelessness prompting them to seek assistance from the Malimono LGU and the Provincial Government of Surigao del Norte, which later referred them to the Pag-Abot Program of DSWD Caraga.
After a thorough validation conducted by the Pag-abot Program Caraga Regional Program Management Office (RPMO), it was confirmed that two families were affected; Jodilyn’s and her daughter’s.
Coordination was immediately initiated with DSWD Field Office V, the region where the families expressed their preference to return, citing Masbate as their hometown. Initial assessment showed that only the daughter’s family had an available receiving family through her husband’s relatives.
But a after month later, Jodilyn finally able to secure a receiving family, her cousin who resides in Barangay Maanahao, Municipality of Palanas, Masbate. On December 11, 2025, both Jodilyn’s and her daughter’s family was formally reintegrated. Throughout the reintegration process, DSWD Caraga extended assistance, including financial, transportation fares, and relocation support, to help them transition back to their community.
“I am deeply grateful to the Pag-Abot Program of DSWD because it helped us return back home and gave us the chance to rebuild our lives with dignity and hope for the future,” Jodilyn expressed.
Now resettled, Jodilyn’s family and her daughter’s are focused on restoring their livelihood and stability, carefully planning their daily work and resources, determined to ensure a steady income and a secure future.
“We are determined to work hard and make our lives better, and we will follow every guidance so that our family will never return to life on the streets again,” she said.
The Pag-Abot Program of DSWD remains a vital lifeline for individuals, children, and families in street situations, helping them move from vulnerability toward stability and self-reliance, while providing the guidance, resources, and support needed to rebuild their lives with dignity.
With renewed determination and the support from the DSWD, Jodilyn and her family are focused on creating a stable and secure future. Their journey back to Masbate shows the resiliency of families in street situations and the critical role of social welfare programs that provide not just assistance, but a path toward lasting self-reliance.
