TACLOBAN CITY – The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair has brought free government services closer to those who need them.
Launched on February 8, the initiative has benefited over 800 residents in the city by providing essential services ranging from free vaccinations to notary services, and even haircuts.
Free medical consultations, live birth registration, and assistance with other government paperwork are also being offered during the whole-day program.
Conducted by the City Mayor’s Office through the Barangay Affairs Office (BAO) and the Liga ng mga Barangay Tacloban Chapter, the fair aims to bring government services closer to different barangays across the city.
Previously known as the I Love Tacloban Barangayan, over 800 residents have been impacted since the program resumed last month.
Food packs were also distributed, with senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and solo parents given priority.
Officials from various government agencies will be rotating through various areas of Tacloban to promote the accessibility of these services.
The target is to cover all areas of the city before the end of June. Area 3, comprising barangays in Marasbaras and San Jose, has already been visited by government officials.
Four barangayans in total have already been conducted, with 13 more tentatively set for this year. The most recent barangayan was hosted in the Barangay 109 gym in V&G Subdivision, with the Barangay Affairs Office estimating over 300 beneficiaries.
Arlene Ibañez, an administrator for the Liga ng mga Barangay, hopes that those who choose to attend future barangayans will try to avail as many services as possible.
She observed that some residents immediately left after availing food stamps.
The next barangayan is scheduled on March 23 in Barangay 64, Bliss, Sagkahan district. The program is anticipated to benefit thousands of other residents in the months ahead.
(WILBEN SEBASTIAN A. ONG, STEFTI STUDENT INTERN)
