DSWD to Make ‘Imburnal Girl’ Its Ambassador
IMBURNAL GIRL – The woman who went viral for coming out of a drainage canal in Makati City is being considered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to become an ambassador for its programs.
Rose became an online sensation after a photo of her emerging from a drainage canal went viral. The unusual scene, which happened near Rufino and Adelantado Streets in Legazpi Village, surprised many and led to her being nicknamed “Imburnal Girl” or “Sadako Girl” because it resembled a scene from a horror movie.
After the photo spread online, the DSWD was able to locate Rose and speak with her. She shared her simple dream of starting a small sari-sari store to earn a living. In response, the agency gave her P80,000 in financial aid to help make that dream come true.
Now, the DSWD hopes to work with Rose to encourage other people living on the streets to accept the support being offered to them. According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, many homeless individuals are still hesitant to seek help because they fear something bad might happen or that they’ll be forced to leave the places where they stay.
Gatchalian said one of the best ways to reach these individuals is through someone like Rose—someone who has already experienced government support and is now working to improve her life. By sharing her story, Rose could help others understand that accepting help from the DSWD can be the beginning of a better future.
“Siguro puwede natin siyang gamiting ambassador para maipaliwanag na walang masamang mangyayari ‘pag sumama sa amin kundi tulong lang,” said Gatchalian. “Nahihirapan kaming mangumbinse minsan kaya nga ang gagawin nating bagong strategy ngayon, gagamitin natin ang mga tulad ni Rose na nakaranas na ng tulong ng gobyerno na kumbinsihin ang ilan nilang kaibigan na nasa gano’ng sitwasyon,” he added.