THE DSWD Field Office VI has been bringing the government closer to the people through participation in community-based caravans.

Recently, the agency joined two major caravans which include the Barangayanihan Duterte Legacy Caravan at Barangay 10, Victorias City and the Presidential Commission for Urban Poor (PCUP) caravan in Silay City, both in Negros Occidental.

“Government services must be accessible to the people. Through the caravans, we were able to bring the government closer to them. This is the essence of governance—to make the people feel that their government exists for them and that it is touching their lives for their betterment,” said Regional Director Ma. Evelyn B. Macapobre.

In Silay, the agency had a ceremonial releasing of P19.7 million Social Pension stipend intended for 6,592 elderly living in Toboso, Cadiz, Manapla and Sagay City. The beneficiaries in Silay, meanwhile, have already received their stipend, prior the activity.

Also, eight survivors of HIV received assistance during the activity.

In Victorias, on the other hand, the office released cash assistance to 800 beneficiaries under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation.

These caravans were facilitated by the the Social Welfare and Development Action team of Negros Occidental, City Actions Team of Silay and Victorias and the Social Marketing Section. In the entire duration of these two activities, health protocols and safety measures were undertaken.

IMPLEMENTERS

According to Emily Apostol, Sustainable Livelihood Program – Negros Occidental Provincial Coordinator, “For me, being a part of the team in handling Service Caravans is heartwarming and fulfilling. It is a time when we get to hear from the people, we can answer their concerns and provide services to them if needed.”

For her part, Bahiyyih Ruth Robinson of DSWD Negros Occidental extension office says that, “we value the caravans being conducted. These are opportunities to listen to the people and respond to their concerns.”

Further, Marylou Arquillo Gaitan, team leader during the caravan in Victorias, says that, “this means that we are reaching the people. We are bringing the government closer to them.”/dswd6