ILOILO City – Thousands of Ilonggos are set to receive financial assistance, livelihood support, agricultural aid and other government services as at least 26 national and local agencies converge on Iloilo today, September 14, for one of the biggest government service caravans in the province.
The “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” will be held at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby and Casa Real de Iloilo, with around 4,000 participants expected to flock to the Capitol to avail themselves of free government services.
Iloilo Provincial Government Public Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO) chief Jose Nereo Lujan said preparations are in place for what is expected to be a major gathering of government agencies offering services under one roof.
The event will go beyond the establishment of government help desks, with participating agencies also rolling out programs and distributing assistance to identified beneficiaries.
Among the biggest activities is the Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 6’s release of the second tranche of its Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food and Transport (UPLIFT) Assistance Program under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
The program targets 62,612 beneficiaries across Western Visayas, with 7,732 beneficiaries scheduled in connection with the Handog ng Pangulo event, including 1,574 from Iloilo.
The Department of Labor and Employment Region 6 will also release assistance under several programs, including the Government Internship Program, Special Program for Employment of Students, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, and DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture Region 6 will roll out its P20 Rice Project, showcase the KADIWA ng Pangulo, recognize KADIWA participants, and provide KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance.
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation will also distribute indemnity checks to 54 farmers and fisherfolk.
Other participating agencies include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Agrarian Reform, National Irrigation Administration, Department of Education, Department of Health, PhilHealth, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and National Commission of Senior Citizens.
Also joining are the Public Attorney’s Office, Office of the Provincial Prosecutor, Office of the City Prosecutor, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Land Transportation Office, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Before the main event, a short program will be led by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., during which a message from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be delivered.
Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin will formally declare the Handog ng Pangulo activities open.
Government services will not be confined to the Provincial Capitol. Some participating agencies, including the LTO, DICT, DepEd and PhilHealth, will conduct activities in selected areas such as Ajuy, Pototan, Passi City and SM City Iloilo in Mandurriao.
The Handog ng Pangulo is being held in connection with Marcos’ birthday on September 13./PN
