Surigao Norte residents benefit from ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ services
By Susil D. Ragas
Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin of the Department of Finance and Assistant Secretary Jim G. Coleto of the Department of Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board led the event, emphasizing the national government’s commitment to ensuring social equity and economic progress across the province.
In his message, delivered by Provincial Administrator Rise Faith Recabo, Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers reassured everyone that the provincial government of Surigao del Norte remains fully committed to working hand in hand with national line agencies, ensuring that every policy, grant, and support program downloaded to the province will continue to benefit every household, both in the mainland and island municipalities.
The Department of Trade and Industry turned over P4,050,000 worth of shared service facilities (SSF) marketing support and a trade fair system to the Surigao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside P4,026,000 for bangus production and processing to the Perlas ng Silanganan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PERLASCoop).
To help strengthen farming operations, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over a 4-wheel drive farm tractor with rotary tiller and trailer worth P1.4 million to Rural Improvement Club Producers Cooperative (RICPROCO) of Barangay Capalayan, Surigao City.
Affordable rice at P20 per kilogram was also offered to resident-attendees to ease household expenses.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed financial aid to 1,533 beneficiaries under the program on Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT).
The Department of Labor and Employment released P4.9 million to 1,052 TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) beneficiaries, P905,022.24 in Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) salaries, and P422,155.25 in Government Internship Program (GIP) stipends. Livelihood assistance went to the towns of Placer (P798,050) and Alegria (P650,900). Additionally, 21 applicants were hired on the spot during the simultaneous job fair.
The Department of Agriculture awarded P2.1 million to the local government of Placer for 32 heads of breeder swine, feeds, and biologics. A one 4-wheel-drive tractor was turned over to the Claver Watermelon Growers Association, including the multi-commodity drying facility and fermentation facility to the Surigao Agri-Producers and Product Association.
The National Irrigation Administration handed over P200,000 in livelihood funds to the Patag-San Isidro Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc., and P225,820 to the Surigao Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc.
The Philippine Coconut Authority further distributed high-yielding coconut seedlings to local farmers, while the Department of Information and Communications Technology turned over the low earth orbit (LEO) satellite kits to the city government of Surigao to strengthen local emergency and remote connectivity.
Also, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Commission on Higher Education distributed stipends to 138 technical-vocational scholars and disseminated information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.
Meanwhile, Surigaonons availed themselves of medical consultations from the Department of Health, along with PhilHealth’s YAKAP registrations, Philippine Statistics Authority’s national ID registration, free legal assistance from DAR, migrant worker assistance via OWWA, and processing through the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Auxiliary support services were also provided by the Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police, Department of Migrant Workers, Bureau of Fire Protection, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Transportation, and participating private institutions.
Tatay Edgar, a tricycle driver who availed of the P20 per kilo of rice and financial assistance from the DSWD, expressed gratitude for the support he received from President Bongbong Marcos through the different government agencies. “This aid is a huge help to my family’s daily needs, especially with the current crisis.”
The day-long caravan reflected the administration’s persistent vision to streamline government operations, cut red tape, and deliver impactful services directly to every Surigaonon. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte)