GMA service caravan makes stop in Malabon

President Arroyo’s pro-poor service caravan reached Malabon City yesterday to benefit at least 3,000 residents.

The Serbisyo Muna program, which aims to bring public service closer to the people, was conducted through the initiative of Malabon-Navotas Rep. Ricky Sandoval as his gift to the people of Malabon City in celebration of his 43rd birthday yesterday.

Alex Rosete, Sandoval’s public information officer (PIO), said the caravan was also held in connection with the monthly-long observation of Malabon’s 5th cityhood anniversary that culminated last April 21.

Mrs. Arroyo arrived at the Malabon City National High School in Barangay Hulong Duhat at around 11:25 a.m. and was warmly welcomed by more than 3,000 residents.

The President, joined by Sandoval and his wife Jeannie, Malabon City Mayor Canuto "Tito" Oreta, Vice Mayor Arnold Vicencio and other officials, awarded hundreds of PhilHealth cards to residents.

Mrs. Arroyo also gave some P500,000 in financial assistance to 68 families from an urban poor group in the city and at least 50 passports for those who availed early of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Passport on Wheels project.

A medical and dental mission, a rolling store that sold low-priced rice and other basic commodities, a job fair and skills training program led by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for employment at call centers, were also held.

The Philippine Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), the main sponsor of the affair. The Department of Transportation and Communications offered free calls abroad for relatives of overseas Filipino workers, the Land Transportation Office provided express renewal of licenses and car registration while the National Bureau of Investigation offered speedy clearance services.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Vidal Querol, Northern Police District director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, Malabon City police chief Senior Superintendent Moises "Kamagong" Guevarra and other NPD police officials were present to provide security along with the Presidential Security Group .