Marcos visits Camarines Sur, spearheads Serbisyo Caravan

By Jason B. Neola

NABUA, Camarines Sur --- In a historic move aimed at bringing government services where they are most needed, President Marcos, joined by heads and secretaries of various government agencies, led a massive “Serbisyo Caravan” last Saturday, September 21, at the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, here.

The caravan event represented a noteworthy milestone in the administration’s dedication to enhancing access to important government services.

It was reported that a little over 100,000 Camarinenses availed themselves of a diverse array of services offered by multiple government agencies, rendering it one of the most extensive public service outreach initiatives in recent history.

In his message, President Marcos emphasized that the caravan aimed to bridge the gap between the government and its constituents, underscoring the importance of delivering services directly to the communities that need them most. “We are committed to bringing the message of Bagong Pilipinas to every corner of the country,” he said.

The event featured an array of services, including healthcare check-ups, educational assistance, employment opportunities, and legal consultations. It also served as an occasion to engage with citizens, listen to their concerns, and provide solutions to their pressing issues.

ROWENA Eborde, a resident of Barangay Anib in Sipocot, Camarines Sur, one of the recipients of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) boats from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, gladly expresses her thanks to President Marcos during his visit in the province for the “Serbisyo Caravan” which was conducted last Saturday, September 21 at the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges in the municipality of Nabua. The boats are equipped with complete accessories and marine engines. JBN/Bicol Mail photo

Local residents expressed their appreciation for the government’s efforts to reach out to them. “This caravan brought government services closer to our doorstep. It’s a significant step towards a more accessible and efficient government,” said one of the beneficiaries.

The “Serbisyo Caravan” showcased the government’s dedication to inclusive development and its mission to improve the lives of Filipino citizens. As the caravan continues its journey across the nation, it is expected to leave a lasting impact on communities, reinforcing the vision of a progressive and united Philippines.

Marcos said that his administration is bringing government services closer to the people as he spearheaded the simultaneous launch of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), the country’s largest service caravan.

The caravan’s primary objective is to deliver essential government services to disadvantaged Filipinos in various communities nationwide.

Addressing a rice distribution event in neighboring Iriga City, he said that: “This is your government. We are now coming to you. You don’t need to visit government offices; we will come to you.”

“This is the essence of the Bagong Pilipinas program. When we organize fairs like this, everything you need is right here; you only have to visit one place.”

According to Camarines Sur Rep. Miguel Luis Villafuerte, around 100,000 residents of the province are expected to benefit from the BPSF, which includes flagship government programs like Kadiwa ng Pangulo, Passport on Wheels, Driver’s License registration/assistance, National I.D., Pag-IBIG Fund, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and police clearance applications.

In addition to the Serbisyo Fair, the President provided assistance to farmers in Camarines Sur. In Iriga City, he distributed rice to beneficiaries of the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

“Now, here is rice to help ensure that our fellow countrymen, at least to some extent, have something to eat, that your families are fed,” Marcos reassured Iriga City residents receiving the aid. “And if it’s still not enough, the government is here to help you.”

Accompanying the President were Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, and Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero De Vera.