Tacurong City, Philippines – In a significant step towards addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, the City Government of Tacurong has launched a comprehensive program targeting street children, their families, and indigenous peoples facing socio-economic challenges. Spearheaded by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) under Nancy Bawe, the initiative is supported by the Special Services Section led by Kathy Mae Catalan and program focal person Social Welfare Assistant Gene Lamery.
Funded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office XII (DSWD XII), the program provides tailored interventions to assist abandoned, abused, and neglected children, as well as families grappling with homelessness and street-related issues. It also emphasizes cultural sensitivity, incorporating indigenous knowledge systems and practices to better support indigenous peoples and marginalized communities.
The initiative currently supports 12 families with street children and 31 individual street children in Tacurong City. Its comprehensive approach has earned recognition from DSWD XII, whose representatives recently visited the city to evaluate the program’s progress and extend further support.
DSWD XII Street Facilitators Rose Marie L. Delatina and Grace S. Candilario have played a crucial role in implementing and coordinating the program. Their hands-on engagement has been instrumental in reaching out to affected families and ensuring the program’s success.
City Mayor Joseph George L. Lechonsito expressed his full support, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening social services and improving the welfare of marginalized communities. “This program reflects our mission to uplift the lives of Tacurongnons who are often overlooked, particularly the children and indigenous peoples who are in the most vulnerable situations,” Mayor Lechonsito said.
With its multi-stakeholder approach and focus on addressing root causes of vulnerability, Tacurong’s initiative serves as a model for community-based social welfare programs. The ongoing collaboration between local and regional agencies demonstrates the power of partnership in creating meaningful and sustainable change.
The program not only addresses immediate needs but also paves the way for long-term solutions, offering hope and support to some of the city’s most marginalized residents.
