ARENA-XI, Comval LGU bring government services directly to far-flung barangays

NEW LEYTE, Maco, April 13, 2015 --–  The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies in Region XI (ARENA XI) in coordination with the provincial government of Compostela Valley bring various government services in far-flung areas in the province.

The 13th ARENA “Serbisyo Caravan” goes to New Leyte, Maco to bring its brand of public service on April 9-10, 2015.

Services were availed by 2 geographically adjacent municipalities, Maco and Maragusan. 

Specifically, catering 6 barangays in Maco, namely: New Leyte, Panoraon, Mainit, Masara, Teresa and Tagbaros and 5 barangays in Maragusan with Tandik, Paloc, Parasanon, Mahayahay and New Manay. 

On a hot, sunny Friday of April 10, the different regional heads and their representatives of the national agencies braved the rough, long-hour drive from Davao City headed by its ARENA XI President and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH XI) Regional Director Mariano R. Alquiza. 

Alquiza said ARENA XI has been partnering with local government agencies to offer free services among far-flung barangays and areas from the poorest of the poor. The last of which was held on November 2014 in a remote village in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. 

He stressed the need and importance of reaching out to the communities. “Muadto mi sa mga remote nga lugar para ipa-feel sa katawhan nga ang gobyerno andam kanunay mu-serbisyo sa inyo,”  ( We go to remote areas to make the people feel that the government is ready to serve you) Alquiza said during the program.

Gov. Arturo Uy along with the municipal mayors and barangay captains of the target beneficiaries expressed their elation and gratitude to the participating agencies.  

Among them are the LGUs through its Health Offices, Comval Provincial hospital, Department of Health, Armed Forces of the Philippines, DPWH, BJMP, APEX Mines for the medical and dental services. 

Various projects and commodities were also turned-over such as tree and OPV seedlings from the DENR, DA and Comval Agriculturist Office, free eyeglasses from the PRC, certificates of entitlement of livelihood project from DOLE, Comval iRice and Tubig Talino from DOST, educational kits from OPAPP, Tilapia fingerlings from BFAR, slippers, wheelchairs, crutches and other major programs from the DSWD, ragmaking and beadworks training by DEPED, and free legal services from the NCIP.

Information and education campaign, trainings, lectures and other assistance were also given by national agencies from DTI, NFA, PNP, PSA, Provincial Veterinary Office, PhilHealth, PCA, NEDA, OCD and others.

Jenebeth Barillo, a resident of barangay Panoraon, was only too happy for bringing the services closer to her home. She was able to avail of the “Operation Tuli” for her 2 boys and submit herself to a medical check-up for her aching back. 

“Basi mudaku na lang ni akong mga anak nga wala pa matuli ug antusun ko nalang siguro ning sakit sa akong likod. Apiki pa ko sa pamasahe samut na sa bayad sa tambal ug chek up. Maayo nalang miabot ning Serbisyo Caravan,” (I might have the kids circumcised later and forego check up for my ailing back as I don’t have enough money for the fare, much more for medicines and check up fee. It’s a good thing, “Serbisyo Caravan” came), Barillo said.  

Indeed, this endeavor has brought along the services that are most needed by the target beneficiaries. Another way of closely keeping in touch with the communities down to the grassroots and the government’s way of responding to their needs as pro-active public servants.  (Fe F. Maestre/IDS Comval)