SURALLAH, South Cotabato — To bring essential government services closer to underserved communities, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through its CATCH-UP Operation, delivered a wide range of health, social welfare, disaster preparedness, agriculture, nutrition, and livelihood-related assistance to residents of Sitio Lambobong and Sitio Food First, Barangay Tubiala, Surallah, last week.
According to CATCH-UP Team Leader Cris Pingkunn R. Fuentes, the operation is anchored on the principle of bringing government closer to the people and ensuring that provincial services reach communities that need them most.
“Ang CATCH-UP Operation amo ang aton pamaagi nga dal-on mismo ang serbisyo sang gobyerno sa mga komunidad. Indi na kinahanglan nga ang mga tawo pa ang magbiyahe kag magpangita sang serbisyo; kita mismo ang nagapalapit sa ila,” Fuentes said.
He emphasized that the activity is not limited to the distribution of assistance but also serves as an avenue for government offices to listen to the concerns of residents and identify the services they need.
“Importante nga makita naton mismo ang kahimtangan sang aton mga kasimanwa agud mas maintindihan naton ang ila mga panginahanglan kag mas mahatag naton ang insakto kag nagakaigo nga intervention,” he added.
Fuentes further underscored the importance of collaboration among provincial government offices in ensuring that communities receive comprehensive assistance.
“Ang CATCH-UP isa ka convergence. Indi ini trabaho sang isa lamang ka opisina. Nagahiusa ang nagkalain-lain nga opisina sang Provincial Government para mas madamo kag mas kompleto ang serbisyo nga aton mahatag sa mga tawo,” he said.
The convergence activity was designed to respond directly to residents’ needs by bringing various provincial government offices and their programs to the community, making essential services more accessible to families who may face challenges traveling to government service centers.
The South Cotabato Provincial Hospital led the delivery of services, providing free medical consultations and medicines to residents. The Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (OPENRO) promoted proper solid waste management and distributed information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to encourage households to adopt responsible waste disposal practices.
On the other hand, the Provincial Population Office conducted an orientation on responsible parenthood, emphasizing informed decision-making, family planning, and responsible family life.
For disaster preparedness and response, the Office of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (OPDRRMO) served hot meals and distributed IEC materials with important information on disaster risk reduction and management.
Meanwhile, Agricultural assistance was also extended through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG), which distributed planting materials and fertilizer to support household and community-based food production.
The Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer (OPSWDO) provided program orientation to residents, informing them about available government interventions and assistance that may help address their social and economic needs.
However, the Provincial Nutrition Action Office (PNAO) distributed Choco milk and shared vital information on proper nutrition, highlighting the importance of adequate and balanced nutrition, particularly among children and families.
The Office of the Provincial Information Officer (OPIO) distributed string bags bearing the Tama kag Maayo nga Serbisyo branding and urged the residents to listen to the radio programs of the provincial government aired in different radio stations.
It also assisted in disseminating IEC materials to ensure that the services, interventions, and beneficiaries’ stories were properly recorded and communicated to the public.
Additional assistance was provided by the Provincial Disability Affairs Unit (PDAU), which distributed walking aids to residents with mobility needs.
The team likewise distributed NutriPackages, used clothing, kitchen sets, and water jugs, providing practical assistance to families and helping address some of their immediate household needs.
Office of the Provincial Veterinarian offered supplements to livestock and poultry animals, providing also information about animal health.
The CATCH-UP Operation reflects the Provincial Government of South Cotabato’s continuing commitment to responsive, inclusive, and people-centered governance, ensuring that government programs and services are not confined to provincial offices but are brought directly to communities.
Under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo Sucayan Tamayo Jr., the provincial government continues to strengthen its service delivery through coordinated interventions that address the diverse needs of South Cotabateños—from healthcare and nutrition to social protection, agriculture, disaster preparedness, environmental awareness, and basic household assistance.
Through initiatives such as the CATCH-UP Operation, the provincial government reinforces its commitment to providing Tama kag Maayo nga Serbisyo para sa Katawhan sang South Cotabato—government service that is accessible, responsive, and truly felt by the people in their own communities.
