The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) extended initial aid to the family of the female college student who was accosted by a security guard outside a mall in Mandaluyong City.
Upon the instructions of Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao personally handed over PHP 20,000 to Judith, the mother of Jeny, a 22-year-old vendor who was at school during the house visit by DSWD social workers.
“Nanay, ito po ang ipinaabot namin sa inyo ay initial pa lamang. Sabi po ng case manager natin, babalik siya at mag-iinterview upang humingi ng karagdagang impormasyon kasi gusto rin po namin kayong matulungan (Mom, this is just initial assistance. Our case manager will return to interview you for additional information because we also want to help you),” Dumlao explained to Judith at their Quezon City home.
She added that social workers will further assess the family’s situation to determine what additional interventions can be provided, such as the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
During the interview, Judith shared that their family had been a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, but they graduated from the program as their youngest child is already 19 years old.
Judith also mentioned that Jeny is a first-year student taking up a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology.
“She’s striving to finish her studies, which is why she sells sampaguita after her classes,” Judith said. “Kaya sila nagsusumikap na magtinda, doon sila kumukuha ng baon at pamasahe. Tapos ang iba ay itatabi nila para pagdating ng babayaran sa school ay mayroon silang pagkukunan (They strive to sell to have money for pocket money and transportation fare. They also save for future school expenses).”
Judith said she makes the sampaguita garlands herself, while her children and husband, Joel, help sell them.
Jeny’s encounter with the security guard in December 2024, which was captured on video by a witness, went viral. The video showed the security guard driving Jeny away, while she was seated on the stairs near the mall entrance. When she stood up, the security guard snatched and destroyed her sampaguita garlands, prompting Jeny to strike him with the damaged flowers.
Despite the incident, the parents have decided not to file charges against the security guard.
“On the part of the DSWD, we always emphasize that we do not tolerate gender-based violence. There should be a collective effort from both the private and public sectors to protect and ensure the rights and well-being of every individual,” Dumlao stated. (PR)
