After years of barely surviving on the streets of Quezon City and collecting recyclable materials for a living, Ryan is now back in Bayugan City, rebuilding his life, thanks to the Pag-Abot Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Ryan left Bayugan City for Manila with the hope of improving his life and finding stable work. Like many from the provinces trying to earn a living in the city, he took on any job he could to survive. He started as a “magsasaging,” roaming around Metro Manila with his kariton selling bananas, before later becoming a construction worker for a brief period.
“I was not choosy with work,” Ryan said. “As long as it was decent and could help me earn, I accepted it.”
In Manila, Ryan soon met a woman which then became his partner. They had two children, however, conflicts eventually led to their separation. Without family support and stable income, his situation deteriorated. He lost his place to stay and ended up living on the streets of Quezon City.
With no permanent job and nowhere to go, Ryan resorted to scavenging. For years, he spent his days searching through garbage dumps, sidewalks, and alleys, collecting bottles, plastic, and scrap materials to sell. On good days, he earned just enough to buy food. On bad ones, he starved.
“There were times I only ate once a day,” Ryan shared. “Sometimes, I had nothing at all. I just drank water and waited for the next day.”
Life on the streets also took a toll on his health. Ryan recalled getting sick several times with fever and cough but had no money to buy medicine and no one to help him. “When I got sick, I just lay down wherever I could,” he said. “There was no one to take care of me. I had no money for medicine. I just waited until I felt better.”
During rainy days, he struggled to find shelter and often slept on cardboard or under makeshift covers. “When it rained, everything got wet,” he added. “My clothes, my body, even the things I collected. But I had no choice.”
Ryan’s condition was identified through the Pag-Abot Program of DSWD, a program that assists individuals in street situations and supports their reintegration to their home communities. Through the program’s intervention, arrangements were made for Ryan to return to Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
“When they told me I could go home, I felt relieved,” Ryan said. “I was tired of living on the streets. I wanted to start again.”
Upon his return, Ryan was welcomed by his cousin who offered him shelter and support while he adjusted back to life in the community. The assistance did not stop there. Through the Pag-Abot Program of DSWD Field Office Caraga, Ryan received livelihood assistance amounting to ₱100,000 which he will use to start his own hog-raising project.
“This support is a big help,” Ryan said. “I can now work here and slowly rebuild my life.”
The hog-raising project is intended to provide Ryan with a steady source of income and reduce the risk of him returning to street life. The Pag-Abot Program continues to monitor his situation and provide guidance as he manages his livelihood.
For Ryan, the opportunity is clear. “I don’t want to go back to the streets,” he said. “I want to stay here, work hard, and live a normal life again.”
Through the Pag-Abot Program, Ryan’s journey from the streets of Quezon City back to Bayugan City shows how timely intervention, family support, and livelihood assistance can help individuals in street situations rebuild their lives.
