The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Saturday defended its decision to provide P80,000 in livelihood aid to “Rose,” the woman photographed crawling out of a sewer in Makati.
DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao explained that Rose is part of a profiled group under the Pag-abot Program, which supports families and individuals in street situations (FISS).
Dumlao noted that Rose was not eligible for the 4Ps program due to lack of a permanent address and having no children under 18.
After undergoing assessment, Rose expressed interest in starting a small business, prompting the agency to support her plan to open a sari-sari store.
The DSWD emphasized that the assistance was granted on a case-by-case basis, based on verified need and social worker evaluation.
