The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) highlighted the story of Rose, a former street dweller, as a compelling example of how support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration is enabling marginalized individuals to rebuild their lives and uplift others in similar situations.
During a Palace press briefing, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian addressed public discussions on Rose’s involvement with the DSWD’s Oplan Pag-Abot Program, an initiative launched in 2023 to reach and assist families and individuals living on the streets. Rose is now seen as a potential community advocate.
“Sabi niya, ‘Sasamahan namin kayo kasi nakita ko nagtatakbuhan iyong mga nasa street dwellers pag nakikita kayo. Hayaan ninyo na ako ang kumumbinsi na tumutulong ang gobyerno, hindi dapat katakutan’,” Gatchalian quoted Rose, who now volunteers to help dispel fear and misinformation among fellow street dwellers.
Gatchalian said Rose’s transformation and empathy inspired a DSWD social worker to refer to her symbolically as an “honorary social worker”—a term that recently sparked public debate.
“Una sa lahat, hindi ho ako ang nag-gawad noon, hindi ako ang nagbigay ng term na iyon. Iyong social worker namin na kasama ang mismong nagsabi na she is — sa mata niya — she has the making of a social worker,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian clarified there was no official conferment and that the term was used to recognize her values, not credentials.
“Alam natin na walang skill set si Rose … pero ang nakitaan sa kanya ay iyong mga katangian ng isang magaling na social worker—empathy, compassion, altruism. Gusto niyang tumulong kahit siya mismo ay nangangailangan ng tulong,” Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian said the DSWD’s role is not just to deliver aid, but also to empower people like Rose to participate in community development.
“It was not meant to demean anybody … it’s a symbolic title. She has the making of a good social worker,” he said.
Gatchalian added that Rose expressed her desire to pursue education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS), with the hope of studying social work someday.
“At sana, sabi nga niya, kung matuloy iyon, ‘yun ang kurso na kunin niya,” Gatchalian said. | PND
