CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) -- The Provincial Government of Northern Samar conducted its 9th round of Kauswagan caravan in Brgy. Rombang, clustered with barangays Yapas, Tinoblan, and EJ Dulay, all of Laoang, Northern Samar on February 24.
“The provincial and national government are gathered here, bringing the basic social services closer to all of you, so that you don’t need to go to the Provincial Capitol just to avail all of these services," said Governor Ongchuan as he delivered his inspirational message.
The activity enabled the province to attain its goal of delivering the basic social services and social development packages to the identified poorest barangays of the different municipalities of the province.
Among the services provided include distribution of free tilapia fingerlings (BFAR); distribution of flyers on abaca production and free lansones seedlings (PHILFIDA); information drive about DTI services specifically on entrepreneurship (DTI); legal agrarian services and legal mediation to land disputes, and CLOA distribution (DAR); and distribution of coconut seedlings and Masterlisting for National Coconut Farmers Registry System (PCA).
The Department of Education also conducted an information drive regarding the reopening of limited face-to-face classes and advocacy campaign for out-of-school youth through Alternative Learning System (ALS).
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) distributed face masks and alcohol and conducted registration for the Philippine National ID System in the four barangays of Laoang.
The University of Eastern Philippines provided 1,000 planting materials, 200 pair of slippers, and biscuits and milk drink were also given to the poor families.
Meeting with Pantawid beneficiaries and interview of non-Pantawid families for possible inclusion to the program was conducted by DSWD.
The Northern Samar Provincial Police Office (NSPPO) took charge of the security and orderliness during the event and distributed some food packs.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assisted in securing the participating agencies during the caravan while the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) spearheaded the crowd control and manpower augmentation.
The Department of Health (DOH) and Provincial Health Office (PHO) conducted free medical check-up, COVID-19 vaccination, free immunization, sanitary inspection of water supply, while the Rural Health Unit of Laoang assisted in the circumcision and dental services.
The Office of the Governor distributed free eye glasses, assorted goodies for children while the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) distributed assorted vegetable seeds and small farm implements, and free garden tools.
The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) distributed animal deworming, vitamins, and other veterinary supplies, and free anti-rabies vaccination.
Free legal consultation service was done by the Provincial Legal Office (PLO), while distribution of IEC materials particularly on children’s rights and women’s education by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO).
Information drive on responsible parenthood was also conducted by the Provincial Population Office (PPO) while the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) provided standby medics and conducted family disaster awareness orientation.
The Philippine Red Cross also initiated free blood typing while Eagles, a private organization, provided free medical supplies and medicines for circumcision.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), the lead office of the Kauswagan caravan, distributed food packs containing of 6 kilos rice, 1 tub chicken, 1 tub pork tocino, 1 tub special marinated bangus, and 500 grams of lumpia, financial assistance, free pair of slippers for children and adults, distribution of flyers on ECLIP and LSIP, information drive about programs for children, youth, women, family, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
During the short program, the barangay captains of the four barangays were able to express their concerns particularly on the lack of potable water supply, livelihood opportunities, medicines and vitamins, agricultural materials, scholarship program for tertiary level, presence of insurgency, unfinished construction of farm-to-market roads, lack of irrigation system, and no drainage canal.
Laoang Mayor Harris Christopher Ongchuan and the four barangay captains expressed appreciation and gratitude to the governor and to the different national government agencies for their services rendered and the unwavering support despite the difficulty to reach the remote barangays.
Meanwhile, Governor Ongchuan and his wife Bles Ongchuan while in the barangay find time to visit one or two families to know their real situation as part of their regular deep dive activity where they personally gave financial assistance and distributed wheel chair to the elderly.
The Kauswagan Caravan is a flagship program of Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan aimed to empower the poor, marginalized, and disadvantaged individuals and families, especially those from the geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, through education and information. (LDL/TBC/PIA Northern Samar)
