Feature: Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair: A beacon of hope for underserved communities

 by Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy

 

MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--Thousands of people, mostly from remote villages, flocked to Bukidnon State University on November 11–12 to avail of the 176 programs and services offered by 54 government agencies at the 6th Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) at the university's main campus in Malaybalay City.

 

A flagship project of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., BPSF is the largest service caravan that brings essential services closer to underserved communities.

 

Empathy in action

 

Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, speaker of the House of Representatives, keynoted the "Serbisyo" event, expressing empathy for those struggling to access vital services. He highlighted the Service Fair as a collaboration with Congress to extend government aid, disseminate crucial information, and introduce diverse programs tailored to community needs.

 

"The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair aligns with President Bongbong Marcos' directive to consolidate government offices, aiming to make social services and programs more accessible, reinforcing the government's commitment to reaching Filipinos in every corner of the country," he emphasized.

 

Bukidnon Representative Jonathan Keith Flores hailed the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair as a beacon of inclusivity.

 

"This is a shining example of the government reaching out to its people to deliver services. It is no longer difficult because it brings services directly to the people," he said.

 

Residents of Bukidnon flock to Bukidnon State University during the 6th Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair to avail the different services of the participating government agencies.  (JMC/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

Unveiling services beyond government aid

 

The "Serbisyo" featured flagship programs such as Kadiwa ng Pangulo, offering affordable food and essentials; Passport on Wheels, enabling passport applications and renewals without the need to travel to major cities; student driver license registration, simplifying the process for students to obtain licenses; and Lab for All, providing free reading glasses, medical consultations, and laboratory tests to needy patients.

 

Beyond government assistance, the services caravan offered diverse programs, covering livelihood projects, social services, scholarships, educational programs, and regulatory services.

 

The President's BPSF marks a significant stride towards comprehensive service delivery, reflecting the government's unwavering commitment to uplifting Filipinos' lives.

 

Odesa Galezo, 18, one of the many beneficiaries, experienced immense joy in obtaining a student driver's license for free, saving her from the usual cost of over P2,000. She also attended the Commission on Higher Education's scholarship orientation while exploring available services at various booths installed inside the campus.

Transportation to residents' areas was provided--free of charge--on November 11-12, 2023, at the 6th Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair. (JMC/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

"At the festive event, villagers explored a variety of services available in the booths throughout the weekend. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority demonstrated pastry-making and baking, showcasing do-it-yourself techniques for earning a living. The Department of Science and Technology briefed attendees on small enterprise technology, and the Department of Trade and Industry provided online business name registration and consultations on product development, packaging, and labeling," she said.

Galezo said her peers and relatives also accessed services from other vital government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Philippine Statistics Authority, the Department of Health, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and the Social Security System, to name a few.

 

She also narrated that TESDA's massage booth—with eight certified massage attendants—helped her relieve muscle pains after her exhaustive booth-hopping from Saturday through Sunday.

 

The Department of Health provides medical services at Bukidnon State University during the 6th Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair. (JMC/PIA 10/Bukidnon)

Making government's services accessible

 

The government allocated P1 billion in programs and services and over P370 million in cash assistance to Bukidnon's 110,000 BPSF beneficiaries.

 

President Marcos Jr. envisions the BPSF as a nationwide service caravan, bridging gaps and delivering hope to remote communities.

 

Bukidnon 2nd District Cong. Flores led the event. Also present to show their support were Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque and local officials, Representatives Lordan Suan of Cagayan de Oro City, Maria Carmen Zamora of Davao de Oro, Alan Dujali of Davao del Norte, and Davao Oriental Representatives Nelson Dayanghirang and Cheeno Almario.

 

The organizers said the massive turnout at the 'Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair' in Bukidnon illustrates people's trust in the government's inclusive commitment to caring for all Filipinos, regardless of societal status or income level.

 

The wide range of services offered shows the government's dedication to serving every Filipino and making them easily accessible. (RLRB/PIA-10/Bukidnon)

Basic necessities were sold at affordable prices during the 6th Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair at Bukidnon State University on November 11-12, 2023, through the Department of Trade and Industry. (JMC/PIA 10/Bukidnon)