Handog ng Pangulo’ service Caravan set at Capitol today

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebuanos are set to benefit from a wide range of government services today, September 13, as the nationwide program “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat” unfolds at the Capitol grounds in Cebu City.

The event is among the activities leading up to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday, with multiple national agencies participating in the service caravan.

Capitol’s Provincial Information Officer Ainjeliz dela Torre-Orong said Cebu’s role is mainly to host and coordinate with agencies, while the overall activity is spearheaded by the Office of the President.

“Ang part sa Cebu Province ani is the venue which is the Capitol and coordination with agencies,” Orong explained.

Among the highlights is the P20-per-kilo rice program, a key initiative of the administration aimed at providing affordable rice to the public, particularly farmers, fisherfolk, and marginalized families. A Kadiwa ng Pangulo exhibit showcasing local products will also run alongside the event.

Thousands of Cebuanos are expected to flock the Capitol to avail themselves of medical, social, agricultural, and livelihood services. Orong estimated between 1,000 to 3,000 beneficiaries may benefit from the caravan.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) will distribute wheelchairs, medicines, and laboratory services, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will award benefits under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and other support initiatives.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will also conduct a ceremonial payout for its TUPAD program, a flagship cash-for-work initiative for displaced and underemployed workers.

For agriculture and the environment, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will lead the turnover of seedlings to farmers and communities, while the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) will distribute insurance coverage to fisherfolk and farmers.

Education and training programs are also included in the lineup. TESDA will turn over scholarship grants, DepEd will lead the ceremonial distribution of EduKahon learning kits, and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will award subsidies to tertiary education grantees.

Senior citizens will likewise receive support through a ceremonial cash gift distribution and an online registration drive to update their records. Meanwhile, PhilHealth will set up a booth for membership registration and record updating.

Other participating agencies include the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and the National Housing Authority (NHA), which will provide assistance in their respective sectors.

Orong noted that the initiative complements Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s “Serbisyo Caravan” mandate, which seeks to bring multiple government services under one roof for the convenience of constituents.

“It’s in one area, it’s easier for the Cebuanos to avail of the services of the government in line sa ganahan ni Gov Pam na convenience for Cebuanos,” she added.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco is expected to attend the event as guest of honor, along with other officials. The service caravan will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. (CEBU NEWS)