CamNorte villagers benefit from PIA-led ‘serbisyo’ caravan

By Ernie Delgado

DAET, Camarines Norte --- Over 700 residents from various barangays in San Vicente, Camarines Norte, benefited from the “Serbisyo caravan” organized on November 28 by public information officers (PIOs) from government agencies.

The caravan, led by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in collaboration with the Camarines Norte Communicators Network (CamNorteComNet), aimed to bring one-stop government services closer to the community.

San Vicente Mayor Mariano Palma expressed his gratitude to the participating agencies, noting that they had finally reached the town to provide essential services to his constituents.

“This program by our government agencies is a way to bring their services closer to the people,” he said during a speech.

Palma encouraged residents to register with PhilHealth to access medical services. He was seen engaging with constituents to promote the various services offered by the caravan.

“I am here to get a birth certificate for my child at the Philippine Statistics Authority, and I noticed that their service delivery is excellent,” said Gina Anier, a 31-year-old mother of four.

Maria Jean Salieta, a solo parent who secured a National ID for her child, shared that it would be useful for school enrollment.

She added that having a National ID simplifies transactions with the government.

“It’s great that the government brought its services to us, as we no longer have to pay for transport to Daet,” Salieta said.

Cristine Efondo, a 22-year-old student, registered with PhilHealth, acknowledging its importance in case of sickness or hospitalization.

She learned about the caravan through a post on the PIA’s Facebook page.

“I verified my contributions to the Social Security System so I could understand my payment status, which will help me when I retire,” said 58-year-old Romeo Opeda.

PIA Provincial Head Rosalita Manlangit emphasized that PIA, alongside CamNorteComNet, regularly visits municipalities and barangays to share information about government programs and provide direct services to communities.

The services offered included free medical check-ups and medicines, college admissions and scholarships, business registration and consultancy, employment assistance, distribution of seeds, and various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials.

Other agencies that participated included the Department of Trade and Industry, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Camarines Norte State College, Department of Agriculture, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – Southern Luzon, Commission on Elections, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA).

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, Securities and Exchange Commission, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Health, the Provincial Information Office of Camarines Norte, and the Municipal Health Office of San Vicente also participated in the event. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)