From begging for small change in the streets of Pasig City, Criselle Caliwara is set to open her business of selling street foods back in her hometown in Montalban, Rizal.

Last February 12, Caliwara received PhP 80,000 livelihood assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its Field Office IV-A, intended to help her start her business.

Caliwara, together with her two-year-old daughter, were reached out and reintegrated to their family by the DSWD under its Pag-abot Program last December 2023.

The Pag-Abot Program, institutionalized through Executive Order No. 52 of the current administration, is a platform for the delivery of services to take street dwellers and other vulnerable individuals off the streets and help them be productive members of the society.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa tulong pangkabuhayan. Gagamitin namin ito para mapabuti ang aming sitwasyon at hindi na muling bumalik sa lansangan,” shared Caliwara, who admitted going back to the streets from time to time to support their needs even after being reached out by the DSWD.

On the same day she received the assistance, Caliwara immediately proceeded to buy her needed materials and equipment for their business.

Through the support of the local government of Brgy. San Isidro, Caliwara and her family have been allowed to sell near the barangay hall. 

In her interview and provision of assistance to the beneficiary, DSWD Social Worker Eddy Napod shared that Caliwara and her family showed determination to succeed in their business to support the needs of the family. [with reports from AADVillarico / ELTNapod]