Multi-agency outreach reaches 5,000 beneficiaries in Agusan Norte far-flung barangays
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — About 5,000 residents from far-flung barangays of Mat-i, Consorcia, and Pinana-an in Las Nieves benefitted from a wide range of free government services during the 16th Agusan del Norte Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Immersion and the 35th Aguservisyo held at Mat-i National High School.
The activity, led by the PPOC chairperson and Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante, convened national and local government agencies to deliver essential services directly to communities, particularly those identified under the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), in line with the national government’s directive to strengthen grassroots development and sustain peace initiatives in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).
“Through this convergence, we are ensuring that government services reach even the most remote barangays, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive peace and development,” Amante said.
Barangay Mat-i, one of the priority areas under the Support to Peace and Development Program (SPDP) for 2027, served as the main venue of the outreach. The initiative aims to strengthen peace and security while accelerating socio-economic development in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, in line with the national government’s inclusive development agenda and sustained peacebuilding efforts under the whole-of-nation approach under Executive Order No. 70.
Residents availed of medical consultations, minor surgical procedures, dental services, laboratory tests, and family planning services provided by the Provincial Health Office and partner agencies. Food packs, assistive devices, mosquito nets, and hygiene kits were also distributed during the event.
Livelihood and agricultural support were likewise extended through the provision of seedlings, farm inputs, and veterinary services. Participating agencies also rendered legal consultations, labor-related assistance, civil registration services, scholarship information, and disaster preparedness training.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Ellen Vee P. Chua emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in addressing grassroots concerns.
“This initiative reflects the strength of collaboration among government agencies. By working together, we can respond more effectively to the needs of our communities,” Chua said.
Punong Barangay Jasmin Maglasang of Barangay Mat-i expressed gratitude to the provincial government and partner agencies for prioritizing their community.
“We are deeply thankful that our barangay was prioritized in this outreach. This brings essential services closer to our people and shows that the government truly listens to and cares for communities like ours,” Maglasang said.
Pablo, one of the residents who benefitted from the services, also expressed his appreciation for the activity, noting the challenges they face due to their distance from the city.
“Dako kaayo among pasalamat kay gianhian gyud mi diri sa barangay. Lisod man gud para namo moadto sa siyudad, mao nga dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa amo,” he said, expressing that they are very grateful for the outreach as it brought services directly to their barangay, since traveling to the city is difficult and costly for them.
Marites, another resident, also shared her gratitude after receiving assistance from the government. “We are very happy that we received such assistance from the government. My children were provided with dental services, and we also received food packs and other support,” she said.
Local officials, including Vice Governor Enrico Corvera and Las Nieves Mayor Karen Rosales, also conveyed their support for the sustained implementation of integrated service delivery efforts aligned with national peace and development strategies.
The convergence of services under the PPOC immersion and Aguservisyo underscores the government’s continuing commitment to inclusive development, peacebuilding, and ensuring that no community is left behind in accessing essential public services. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)