Mc Richard Paglicawan
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is considering appointing “Rose,” the woman who recently went viral after emerging from a drainage canal in Makati City, as an ambassador for its street reintegration efforts.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian shared this during a media interview on Saturday, May 31, saying Rose’s story could serve as a powerful example to encourage others living in similar conditions to trust and accept government help.
“Siguro puwede natin siyang gamiting ambassador para maipaliwanag na walang masamang mangyayari ‘pag sumama sa amin kundi tulong lang,” said Gatchalian.
He acknowledged the difficulty in convincing individuals experiencing street situations to seek assistance, adding that a new strategy is being implemented: using the testimonies of those like Rose who have successfully accepted help.
“Nahihirapan kaming mangumbinse minsan… gagamitin natin ang mga tulad ni Rose na nakaranas na ng tulong ng gobyerno na kumbinsihin ang ilan nilang kaibigan,” he added.
The viral moment took place on Tuesday, May 27, when motorists and pedestrians along Rufino and Adelantado Streets in Legazpi Village, Makati were shocked to see a woman emerging from a street drain. She reportedly sprinted away and was pursued by security personnel.
Rose later explained that she was not living in the drainage system, but was retrieving a cutter blade she had dropped—something she uses for work.
Following the incident, the DSWD committed to assisting Rose with ₱80,000 worth of support to help her start her dream sari-sari store. On May 30, Secretary Gatchalian posted an update, showing Rose accompanied by DSWD staff while purchasing goods for her new business.
“Rose… is now starting her journey toward setting up her own sari-sari store. Our social worker accompanied her to buy stocks for her envisioned store. This is part of the intervention package we have lined up for her,” Gatchalian said on Facebook.
“The President’s instruction is very clear: no Filipino should live on the streets—much less in drainage systems.”
The DSWD said Rose’s case will be closely monitored to ensure a successful reintegration process and sustainable livelihood.
“We will closely track the progress of her livelihood enterprise… committed to giving the down and out a chance at a better life—a life lived with dignity and marked by respect,” Gatchalian emphasized.
Rose’s story, while met with sympathy and support, also sparked humor and disbelief online. Social media was flooded with memes and sarcastic commentary from netizens joking about jumping into sewers for cash assistance.
Even social media personality “Senyora” weighed in, posting: “Gising na. Hahanap ka pang imburnal para instant 80K.”
Despite the online humor, the DSWD has not yet issued a statement regarding the viral reactions.
For Secretary Gatchalian, Rose’s story is more than a trending topic—it’s a chance to inspire change among those who have lost trust in public aid.
