MANILA, Philippines — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian clarified on Monday that the P80,000 financial aid granted to Rose, the woman rescued from a sewer in Makati, is not a reward but part of the government’s reintegration assistance.

“Una, hindi siya pabuya. Gusto kong linawin na ito ay parte ng programa ng pag-reintegrate sa komunidad. Kung ibalik mo lang ang mga tao sa kanilang komunidad, uulit at uulit lang ito. Kailangan matulungan natin silang magkaroon ng bagong pag-asa at makapagsimula ng bagong buhay sa pamamagitan ng economic grant,” Gatchalian said during an interview on Unang Hirit.

He explained that the amount was not arbitrarily chosen but based on the recommendation of the DSWD social worker assigned to handle Rose’s case.

“Yung halaga na yan, ang nagtakda niyan, hindi ako, hindi kahit sino sa departamento, kundi yung handling social worker ni Rose. Sa kanyang recommendation, sa kanyang intake, ay nakita niya na ito ang tamang intervention para makapagsimula muli si Rose,” he said.

Gatchalian stressed that financial assistance under the agency’s programs adheres to existing guidelines with established minimum and maximum limits, and all disbursements undergo strict evaluation.

“Gusto ko rin i-point out na may guidelines ang DSWD sa bawat programa. Lahat ng programa natin nakatakda kung ano ang minimum amount, ano ang maximum amount. Pero lahat yan, katulad sa iba’t iba pa naming programa, dadaan muna sa masusing pag-aaral ng mga social worker natin,” he said.

The DSWD chief also addressed concerns from social workers over the symbolic use of the title “honorary social worker” given to Rose due to her willingness to help the agency reach other street dwellers.

“Kung sakaling may na-offend ang terminong ito sa hanay ng ating social worker, ako na mismo ang humihingi ng paumanhin. Hindi yun ang intensyon ng mga social worker namin o ng Departamento o myself in giving her that symbolic title,” Gatchalian said, clarifying that the department has no authority to confer academic or professional degrees.

Rose’s case is part of Oplan Pag-abot, a program launched in 2023 under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to remove families and individuals from the streets and reintegrate them into safer environments.

“Sabi nga ng Pangulo sa akin nang na-appoint ako sa Departamento, kailangan walang pamilyang Pilipino na nakatira sa lansangan,” Gatchalian said, noting that over 5,000 families have since been assisted through the initiative.