In line with the provision of basic social services to address the prevalence of children and families at-risk on the streets, the Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD – NCR) will launch the Oplan Balik Bahay, Sagip Buhay (OBBSB) project.

“Preparations are underway for the holding of the summit with stakeholders, because there is a call for a need-based program design and multi stakeholder’s mechanism to address the influx of children, unattached adults and families at-risk on the streets and to sustain intervention, social responsibility and community participation.” said DSWD-NCR OIC – Regional Director Jacel J. Paguio about the OBBSB project, a comprehensive program for individuals and families at-risk on the streets.

Through the summit, the participants will have an overview of the current situation of homeless families in the national and the local government unit level and determine the efforts done regarding the issue. Also, the roles of the various stakeholders will be expounded to give them a clear understanding of their functions in the implementation. The summit aims to gather ideas and concepts on how to mitigate the growing number of children and families at-risk on the streets.

The summit aims to gather 250 participants from different sectors, namely: the local chief executives, barangay officials, other national government agencies, CSOs and other stakeholders in the implementation of the project to discuss further measures to complement the OBBSB project.

The project is a combination of modified programs and services leading to the empowerment of families, unattached adults and children at-risks on the streets. It will integrate all strategies and interventions in preventing the influx of children, unattached adults and families at-risk on the streets. Moreover, it involves developmental, therapeutic and income generating services that will contribute to their eventual reintegration to the community.

This project does not limit the capacity of the national and local government in the exercise of their roles and responsibilities; rather, it is community-driven which aims to boost responsible individuals/officials in the community to take action on the vulnerable situation of children, individuals, and families on the streets. ###