The first-ever launch of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Biliran succeeded in its aim to bring government services closer to Biliran residents, providing them more convenience and easier access to social services, livelihood and educational services, regulatory functions, and other programs, on Aug. 26-27, 2023.

According to Naval Mayor Gretchen Stephanie M. Espina, the two-day event bridged the gap between the national government agencies and the people they served, helping uplift the lives of the Biliranons.

Among the programs and services offered were financial assistance for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, indigenous peoples, fisherfolk, and farmers, including distribution of seeds and fertilizers, farm equipment and machinery for farmers, fish cages, and fingerlings.

Other government assistance provided were payouts for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), and scholarship programs.

Thousands of Biliranons benefitted from the fair, with 50 programs and services offered by 33 government agencies, including delivery of an estimated P80 million worth of assistance.

Bebito Matuguinas, a 51-year-old farmer-beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture and president of Tucdao-Anas Farmers’ Irrigators Association Inc., commended the efforts made by the government.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa ating mahal na pangulo. Nabigyan ng pansin ang kauna-unahang fair activities dito po sa Biliran. Maraming salamat po at nakita namin ang impact sa mga tulong na ito,” Matuguinas said.

Meanwhile, House Speaker and 1st District Leyte Representative, Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, encouraged Biliranons to participate actively in the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair and work together to achieve a brighter future.

“Sama-sama sa diwa ng pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan, at tayo ay muling babangon at magpapatuloy sa landas ng kaunlaran,” Speaker Romualdez said.

The Speaker and the government officials in Biliran headed by Biliran Governor Gerard Roger M. Espina, in partnership with Tingog Party-list Representative Jude A. Acidre, led the launch of the two-day fair held at the Biliran Province State University in Naval.

Likewise, Speaker Romualdez has taken up President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on his challenge to hasten the delivery of government services to far-flung areas in the country.

The Bagong Pilipinas, one of the leadership campaigns of the president, called for deep and fundamental transformations in all sectors of society and government.

It fostered the State's commitment towards attaining comprehensive policy reforms and full economic recovery, as specified in Memorandum Circular No. 24, s. 2023, in which one of the activities in line with this campaign was the conduct of the Serbisyo Fair.

Based on the tentative schedules, the Serbisyo Fair will also go to Davao de Oro on September 8-9; Leyte on September 9-10; Ilocos Norte on September 11-12; Laguna on September 30 to October 1; Camiguin on October 14-15; Bohol on October 28-29; Camarines Norte on November 11-12; Bukidnon on November 25-26; and Eastern Samar on December 9-10. (MMP/AAC/PIA-8