SOUTH COTABATO – More than 10,000 residents from different parts of the province flocked to the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center and the Sports Complex Grandstand availed themselves of various government services offered through the “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” program.
The activity brought together various national government agencies and provincial government offices to provide accessible and essential services directly to identified beneficiaries and other residents who needed government assistance.
South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. said identified beneficiaries were able to receive various services from participating government agencies during the activity.
“Malaki ang maitutulong nito sa pag-abot ng mga serbisyo sa ating mga mamamayan kung ang lahat ng ahensya ng gobyerno ay patuloy na nagkakaisa at nagtutulungan,” Tamayo said.
He emphasized that the program brought government services closer to the people, particularly those who may have difficulty traveling to different government offices to process documents or seek assistance.
For overseas Filipino workers and their families, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) provided free calls for OFWs and operated an information desk to assist residents with concerns related to overseas employment and migrant workers.
One of the beneficiaries, Rhea Sabang, a resident of T’boli, South Cotabato, expressed her appreciation for the assistance she received, particularly the free rice and PhilHealth services.
“Malaking tulong at ginhawa ang mga simpleng serbisyo na aking natagap lalo na malayo pa ang aming bahay dito siyudad.” Sabang said
She welcomed the opportunity to access several government services in one location, saying that such initiatives provide convenience to ordinary citizens.
Among the agencies that participated in the activity was the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office (SCPPO), which provided police assistance and facilitated the release of police clearances.
The Department of Health (DOH), together with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, South Cotabato Provincial Hospital, Polomolok Municipal Hospital, and Norala District Hospital provided medical services to residents.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) also offered its YAKAP Caravan, PhilHealth ID printing, and access to medicines through PhilHealth Gamot.
Residents who needed legal assistance were also accommodated through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), which provided legal advice and simple notarization services.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) likewise offered legal consultations, assistance in drafting sample legal documents, and free notarization of simple affidavits.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided services through its Negosyo Konsulta, assisting residents with business-related concerns and information.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) provided legal advice and counseling, as well as assistance in processing prosecutors’ clearances.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) brought its Agrarian Justice on Wheels program to the event and showcased products from Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs).
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offered employment opportunities through a jobs fair and distributed livelihood starter kits to qualified beneficiaries.
On the other hand, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) also participated by providing free NBI clearance services, allowing residents to process an important government document without having to travel to other offices.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) provided agricultural assistance through the KADIWA program and fertilizer distribution, benefiting farmers and other residents involved in agriculture.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) operated a Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile Outlet, where residents could obtain copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates.
The PSA also facilitated National ID registration and National ID printing.
The large turnout of residents highlighted the importance of bringing government services directly to communities.
The Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat activity demonstrated that government programs can become more accessible and responsive when agencies work together and deliver services closer to the people.
