MANILA, Aug. 12 – In keeping with President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise of bringing government services directly to the people, various government agencies conducted Saturday the Serbisyo Caravan and Community Forum with various sectors at the Commonwealth Elementary School in Quezon City.
The praticipating agencies include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) and agencies under the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster (HDPRC) such as the Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), National Youth Commission (NYC), and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC).
“The President instructed government agencies to make their services available directly to the people and not just through their offices and to inform the public on the different services available in line with the Duterte administration’s thrust to provide education, health and protection,” according to DSWD Secretary Judy Taguiwalo who also chairs the HDPRC.
The venue became a virtual one-stop-shop of different services which included mobile clinics of the DOH which offered medical and dental services.
TESDA, brought its online registration system for those who want to enrol in vocational courses and skills training. It also provided free haircuts and massage therapy courtesy of TESDA beneficiaries.
DepEd, put up an inquiry desk on its voucher program, Alternative Learning System (ALS) and K-12 program while CHED, presented its current scholarship program for college students.
DSWD, showcased its Libreng Gamot Program, Rice Subsidy, Social Pension, services for persons with disabilities (PWD), solo parents and livelihood programs.
A special counselling room with expert psychologists was provided to address the needs of those with emotional problems.
“This is the second caravan of a series of four. Originally, it was suggested that these events be held in a hotel or convention center but we said, ‘no’. If we really want to bring this to the people, let’s do a town hall-style meeting just like when Manny Pacquiao has a fight, everyone comes together,” Taguiwalo said.
Quoting from the Constitution, Taguiwalo explained that it was the duty of the state and Duterte’s campaign promise of a government with ‘tunay na malasakit’ (real compassion) to liberate the people from poverty through policies that give adequate public service, provide full employment, raise standards of living, and a better quality of life. (PNA)
