TARLAC CITY (PIA) — Over 800 individuals benefited from the Serbisyo Caravan of the government and private sector in Barangay Balete, Tarlac City.
It offered free dental and medical check-up, x-ray, legal consultation, vitamins and medicines, vaccines, massage, and haircut.
The beneficiaries also received livelihood training, vegetable seedlings, rice, grocery packs and solar lights.
3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Villar explained that it was a multi-sectoral effort aimed at addressing the needs and concerns of farmers in Hacienda Luisita, particularly the Malayang Magbubukid ng Asyenda Luisita or MALAYA members and their dependents.
“Our goal is to make government services accessible to everyone. Through this Serbisyo Caravan, we can personally hand-over these services, and talk to the community,” he pressed.
Villar added that other residents in the village likewise received support and assistance.
Meanwhile, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Acting Regional Director Ulysses Untalan reiterated the whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach in serving the people and promoting peace and development at the grassroot level.
“The Serbisyo Caravan was designed to bring basic services directly to the community, utilizing the whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). This initiative helps people recognize that their government is actively working for their well-being and is committed to serving them,” he stressed.
The official added that it empowers the local government to take the lead in promoting good governance.
“When people see that the government is on their side, it fosters an environment where peace and development can thrive,” Untalan said.
For her part, Tarlac Governor Susan Yap expressed her all-out support for similar activities, and underscored that these are essential parts of peace and development in the province.
“Let’s talk about peace and development. Tarlac is one of the most peaceful provinces in Central Luzon. We have these activities and we go around barangays to make you feel, seen and heard. I would not allow anyone to take advantage of or harm you. My office is always open for you,” she assured.
Yap cited other available programs of the provincial government including vocational training, medical missions among others.
One of the farmer-beneficiaries, Augusto Candelaria, thanked the government for the free medical consultation, and medicines for his high blood pressure.
“I’m really grateful to everyone who organized this convergence activity just to provide aid and livelihood assistance to the residents of Barangay Balete. The free check-up and medicines mean a lot to me and my family. Thank you,” he noted.
This year’s activity carries the theme “Pagbabago ng Komunidad sa Hacienda Luisita Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”.
It was jointly organized by Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity; Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management Cluster of Regional Task Force-ELCAC; Northern Luzon Command; 7th Infantry Division; 1st Civil Relations Group; Tactical Operations Group 3; 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion; and 7th Civil-Military Operations Battalion.
Also, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Police Regional Office 3, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Provincial Government of Tarlac, Tarlac Provincial Hospital, Jelexie Bakeshop, and the Philippine Information Agency, (CLJD/TJBM, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
