The Department of Social Welfare and Development – National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) conducted a one-day orientation and technical learning session to the 77 staff of the Oplan Balik Bahay Sagip Buhay (OBBSB) project recently to equip them with their tasks and valuable contribution in helping the community, specifically children at-risk, unattached individuals and families at-risk on the streets.

Regional Director Ma. Alicia Bonoan stressed the need to help children and families at-risk on the streets and those unattached individuals so they can have better lives. She encouraged the staff to be committed in performing their duties and responsibilities.

Bonoan said, “Gampanan natin ng maayos at tapat ang ating mga trabaho at magtulungan tayong lahat para mabigyan ng mas maayos na pamumuhay ang ating mga kababayan nating nasa lansangan.”

During the activity, Bonoan discussed interventions and strategies of the project, to achieve the goal of zero incidence in Manila and Quezon City by the end of the year. This can only be done if our stakeholders and partners like the NGAs, NGOs, LGUs, leaders and Local/Barangay Council for the Protection of Children, business sectors, and our commuters.

The participants were also oriented on the different programs such as Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program and Modified Conditional Cash Transfer for Homeless Street Families, among others. Most especially, they were able to understand the significance of the OBBSB project.

The Oplan Balik Bahay Sagip Buhay (OOBSB) project is a pilot initiative of the DSWD which aims to address the prevalence of street dwellers in the major thoroughfares of National Capital Region, particularly in Manila and Quezon City through the provision of package of programs designed to meet the needs of the beneficiaries and to keep families and their children out of the street. ### (FO-NCR, Social Marketing Office, July 16, 2015)