The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched a significant new facility aimed at supporting some of society's most vulnerable members. On Tuesday, December 22, 2025, a Pag-Abot Center was officially opened inside the Capitol Compound in Pampanga. This center represents a critical step in providing structured aid to homeless individuals, street children, and others in immediate need.
A Hub for Immediate Care and Support
The inauguration ceremony was led by key officials, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian was joined by Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda and DSWD Region III Director Venus Rebuldela for the opening. Also in attendance were Board Members Kaye Naguit and Fritzie David Dizon, underscoring local government support.
The newly established Pag-Abot Center is designed as a temporary shelter and integrated service hub. It primarily serves individuals rescued during anti-mendicancy and rescue operations, street children, and any person requiring urgent assistance. By offering a safe haven, the center acts as the first point of contact for those in crisis.
Comprehensive Services for a Path to Stability
Housed within the secure grounds of the Capitol Compound, the facility provides a wide range of essential services to address both immediate and long-term needs. Beneficiaries will have access to food, basic necessities, and medical care. Crucially, the center also offers psychosocial services and professional case assessment and management.
The support extends beyond temporary relief. The DSWD staff at the center will work to facilitate referrals to appropriate long-term solutions. This includes connecting individuals with:
- Educational opportunities
- Livelihood and skills training programs
- Permanent shelter facilities
Furthermore, the center will conduct family tracing and reintegration efforts whenever it is possible and safe to do so, aiming to restore family bonds where appropriate.
Building a Bridge to a Safer Future
The DSWD describes the Pag-Abot Center as an initial intervention facility. Its core mission is to offer immediate care while coordinating a suite of services to help beneficiaries transition. The ultimate goal is to guide individuals away from the dangers of street life and toward safer and more stable living conditions.
This initiative in Pampanga reflects a proactive approach to social welfare, focusing on outreach, immediate aid, and sustainable support. It stands as a model for how government agencies and local government units can collaborate to create tangible solutions for vulnerable populations.
