CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Provincial Government of Pampanga, has opened the Pag-Abot Processing Center at the Capitol Compound to strengthen social protection services for street dwellers and other vulnerable sectors.
DSWD Field Office III Innovation Division OIC-Chief Marites Liwanag said the facility aims to protect children, individuals, and families engaged in street begging and homelessness, which expose them to risks and accidents on major roads and public spaces.
“Staffed by trained social workers, the Pag-Abot Processing Center provides case assessment, documentation, and case management to determine appropriate interventions, including psychosocial support, livelihood assistance, and referral to long-term programs,” she explained.
With its 16-bed capacity and basic living facilities, the center can accommodate clients from distant regions for up to 15 days while arrangements for reintegration to their home regions are processed.
Clients from nearby areas are closely coordinated with their respective local government units (LGUs) for immediate reintegration.
Liwanag added that the establishment of the Pag-Abot Processing Center emphasizes the need for early intervention and proper values formation among children and youth.
For her part, Governor Lilia Pineda expressed her support for the initiative, noting that collaboration between national agencies and LGUs is essential in addressing the needs of vulnerable sectors in the province.
With the opening of the facility, both DSWD and the provincial government expect a reduction in the number of street dwellers, especially during the holiday season, while improving the overall well-being of vulnerable individuals and families.
