Cebu City is embarking on a significant shift in its approach to the long-standing challenge of street homelessness, moving from temporary cleanups to a structured, long-term solution.
From Quarantine Site to Shelter
In a decisive move, Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, that a former Covid-19 quarantine facility at the South Road Properties (SRP) will be converted into a dedicated social services center. This new facility will serve as a temporary shelter for individuals profiled by the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office, directly addressing the critical issue of overcrowded holding areas.
Institutionalizing Support Through Pag-Abot
This policy change aligns Cebu City with the national Pag-Abot Program, for which the city has been identified as a priority expansion site by DSWD 7 Director Dr. Shalaine Marie Lucero. The program targets the more than 400 street dwellers identified in the city, offering them voluntary participation.
Beneficiaries can receive comprehensive support for up to 40 days in transitory shelters, including:
- Food and medical aid
- Psychosocial services
- Personalized case management
The program's true power, however, lies in its extensive reintegration package designed to prevent families from returning to the streets. This includes:
- Financial Assistance: A one-time grant of P10,000 per family.
- Housing Support: A rental subsidy of up to P10,000 monthly for six months to a year, and up to P150,000 for home repairs for landowning beneficiaries.
- Medical & Logistical Aid: Up to P10,000 in medical assistance, plus transportation and relocation support.
A Sustainable Path Forward
To ensure the program's success, the initiative now incorporates aftercare and monitoring in coordination with the beneficiaries' local government units (LGUs) of origin. To formally cement this coordinated effort, DSWD 7 has requested the Cebu City Council to authorize Mayor Archival to sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA).
This agreement is vital for securing coordinated funding, referrals, and sustained rental subsidies. The approval from the City Council is the next critical step that will enable the full implementation and scaling of the Pag-Abot initiative, firmly shifting the city's focus from rescue to sustained reintegration and a future with greater dignity and stability for its most vulnerable residents.
