July 29, 2025 – Opening a sari-sari store, closing a chapter on the streets

Knowing the risks fully, Ruby Buyo did not mind selling sampaguita on the streets of Makati City. After all, every day spent on the streets means that she can earn something for her family.

Together with her two children and two grandchildren, they would spend hours on the street, despite heat or rain. They only had one goal–to sell all their sampaguita so that they’ll have food on the table and money to pay for their monthly rent and utility expenses.

In May 2025, Ruby and her family were reached out by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under its Pag-abot Program.

Through the Pag-abot Program, families and individuals in street situations are provided an opportunity to start living a safe, decent, and dignified life through various interventions. However, these families and individuals must agree to be engaged first in the program prior to being provided any interventions.

According to Aizely Ann Villarico, the project development officer of the DSWD Field Office IV-A, Ruby was at first hesitant to be a part of the program. However, she later agreed and actively engaged in all processes of the program.

As a result, a few days after being reached out, Ruby and her family were reintegrated to their community in San Pedro City, Laguna. With the assistance of the local government unit of the said city, their family was monitored and assessed to determine appropriate interventions.

“Labis po ang aking kasiyahan dahil hindi ko inakalang kami ay matutulungan ng programa. Napakalaking tulong po nito upang kami ay hindi na bumalik sa lansangan,” shared Ruby.

This July 2025, they were provided with livelihood assistance, which they used to buy construction materials and grocery items to open a small sari-sari store in their area. 

Ruby shared that her husband constructed their store and she, with the assistance of the staff of the DSWD Field Office IV-A, purchased the grocery items that she will be selling in the store.

Villarico added that Ruby was able to secure a barangay permit for the operation of their sari-sari store.

“Iingatan ko po at palalaguin ang tulong na ibinigay ninyo sa akin,” shared Ruby, who has more hope than ever that they will be able to give a better and safer life for their children and grandchildren. [with reports from MRArigadas/AADTVillarico]