Residents of Sta. Cruz benefit in “Serbisyo Caravan”

STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur – The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies Region XI (ARENA XI) recently conducted a “Serbisyo Caravan” a one-stop-shop delivery of government services to the residents of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur last April 20.

The Municipality of Sta. Cruz, with the cooperation of 39th Infantry Battalion, hosted the first stop of the caravan, where about 30 National Government Agencies (NGAs) provided their respective programs and services to the people.Beneficiaries were gathered at the municipal gym, while some services from the different NGAs were provided at the Sangguniang Bayan Session Hall.

“The caravan aims to bring the national government programs closer to the people, especially to the vulnerable sector of the communities,” Lt. Col. Oliver R. Artuz, Battalion Commander of the 39th IB said.Government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) introduced to the residents the Beneficiary Update System, Compliance Verification System and Grievance Redress System while the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) conducted registration and membership to senior citizens in the area.

The Department of Health (DOH) assisted rural health units in the distribution of free medicines and provided information and communication (IEC) materials to educate residents on health issues. They also initiated free consultation and check-up.The National Food Authority (NFA) distributed rice through rolling stores, and held advocacy campaign on their programs.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducted demonstrations and consultancy services on food processing.The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) distributed land titles while the Department of Agriculture (DA) handled technical education on its different banner programs.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Land Transportation Office (LTO) conducted lectures to applicants for proper licensing.Meanwhile, Department of Education (DepEd) provided information on the K+12 program to the Parents/Teachers Associations (PTAs) and distributed school supplies and bags to the Alternative Learning System (ALS) students and Badjao elementary pupils of Apo Beach.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) tendered information on K+12, skills demonstration and awarding of scholarship grants at the Sta.

Cruz National High School.Consultations, dialogues and information drive with their beneficiaries and the general public were conducted by agencies like Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Commission on Audit (CA), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), among others.“Serbisyo Caravan is a novel approach to public service,” ARENA President and DBM Director Achilles Gerard C. Bravo said.

The 39th IB, aside from providing security to all of the participants, also facilitated dental extraction and other related dental services through the services of military dentists. (Captain Raul T Villegas, CMO  39IB)