LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY (PIA) – As early as 7:00AM, a long queue of residents can be seen at various installed booths inside the vast Sorsogon Capitol grounds. They are going to avail of the onsite services and assistance of the sixteen (16) government agencies that said "yes" to the Philippine Information Agency's (PIA) invitation to participate in 'The 2023 Pre-SONA Serbisyo Caravan.'

The Serbisyo Caravan is part of the "Nagkaka1sang Bumabangon: 2023 Pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Caravan organized by the Philippine Information Agency Region 5 (PIA ROV). It aims to highlight the direct provision of essential government services  to the grassroots community through collaboration with various government agencies, private partners, and other stakeholders. This is also in response to the directive of Pres. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. 

Even under the scorching heat of the sun, residents kept coming at the Sorsogon Capitol grounds. Over a hundred constituents of Sorsogon City and nearby towns benefitted from various programs and services on health, agriculture, job opportunities, discounted basic goods, updating of civil records and many other government assistance.

Milestones and prospects

The Pre-SONA Caravan at the Sorsogon Gymnasium in the afternoon of June 5, Monday, highlighted the significant gains and accomplishments of the provincial government, along with the prospects for advancements under the Marcos leadership.

“I hope that the conduct of the said inter-agency collaborative conference will give birth to a new plan for more development projects, with the guidance and assistance of the present administration, which may be brought to the knowledge of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. through the Presidential Communications Office (PCO)-PIA and be part of the next State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the President,” PIA V Regional Head Ramil Marianito said.

Sorsogon Governor Edwin Hamor presented the Blue Lane Program as one of the solutions implemented by the local government to address the long-standing concern on Matnog Port congestion especially during bad weather.

The metamorphosis of Matnog from a congested port to a well–developed transportation hub for seafarers has enhanced the province's appeal to local, national, and international investors.

The said transformation also elevated the province's potential to attract not just local but also national, and even global investors.

Testament to progress and innovative accomplishments

PIA Director General Jose Torres Jr. lauded the effort of the local government in achieving transformative change under President Marcos.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the officials of the region for their clear vision and unwavering dedication. Through your tireless efforts and commitment to public service, you have paved the way for a brighter future for our people, deserving our wholehearted appreciation,” Torres said.

The PIA chief acknowledged the significant milestone of the Bicol International Airport in Albay as a testament to the vision of the Marcos administration.

“With the potential commencement of international flights, the airport will surely contribute to the exponential growth of tourism, creating a gateway to our beautiful region for travelers from all over the world,” he said.

Torres also expressed the commitment of the PIA in disseminating relevant and timely information about these programs and services.

“We will continue to ensure that the successes and impact of these initiatives reach every corner of the country, empowering our citizens with knowledge and opportunity,” Torres said.

Torres further called for collaboration, despite political affiliations and differences, to achieve progress as a collective endeavor.

“Together, we can build on the solid foundation that has been laid and create a future that is even brighter, more inclusive, and more prosperous for all,” he added. (PIA5/Albay)