The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), through the Office of the Governor’s “Ngadto sa Tanang Bol-anon” Service Caravan, brought essential government services directly to the residents of Pamilacan Island on May 25, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive and accessible public service delivery for island communities.
The initiative gathered various provincial offices and partner agencies to provide medical, social welfare, legal, veterinary, employment, and business-related services to residents of the island barangay.
Representing Governor Aris Aumentado during the opening program, Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Handel Lagunay emphasized that the caravan was organized primarily for the benefit of the people, especially those living in geographically isolated areas.
He highlighted that bringing government services closer to communities eases the burden of residents who often travel far to access assistance and frontline services.
Lagunay further underscored that the initiative reflects Aumentado’s dedication and genuine concern for the welfare of every Bol-anon.
First District Board Member Lucille Lagunay likewise encouraged residents and local entrepreneurs to explore more opportunities in business and livelihood.
She shared that the PGBh continues to implement programs and assistance initiatives she sponsored and authored to support families during times of need.
Mayor Alvin Uy expressed his appreciation to the PGBh for extending services directly to Pamilacan Island, noting that the caravan provided relief to residents who regularly travel to the mainland for government transactions and healthcare services.
He also affirmed upcoming renovation initiatives for establishments in the island barangay.
Executive Assistant Nunila Pinat shared her gratitude and noted that under the leadership of Governor Aumentado, it was the first time comprehensive government, medical, and social services were delivered directly to the island community.
Barangay Captain Crispo Valeroso also conveyed his appreciation to the Provincial Government for the initiative and its positive impact on residents.
Facilitated by the Local Government Affairs (LGA) headed by Stephen Rances, the service caravan mobilized provincial offices and partner agencies to deliver various programs and frontline services.
The Governor’s Office–Medical Outreach Unit (GO-MOU), assisted by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), conducted the medical mission, with 143 medical consultations, 54 dental services, 11 circumcisions, and 25 laboratory services.
The Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD) also distributed food packs containing five kilos of rice and eight canned goods to 500 families in the island barangay.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) provided veterinary supplements and deworming services for pets and livelihood animals, serving 76 clients and 725 animals, including the vaccination of three dogs.
The Bohol Employment Placement Office–Public Employment Service Office (BEPO-PESO) also extended employment facilitation services, assisted residents with inquiries regarding employment programs, disseminated updates on available services, and helped jobseekers complete National Skills Registration Program (NSRP) forms, benefiting 41 individuals.
Also joining the caravan was the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (BEDIPO) through the Bohol Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS), together with partner agencies including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), PhilHealth, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) supporting the free, consistent, and strong internet connection throughout the event, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) sessions were also conducted by participating offices and agencies to further educate residents about government programs, services, livelihood opportunities, healthcare initiatives, and other public assistance available to the community.
The Provincial Legal Office (PLO) provided free legal assistance and consultations to a total of 47 beneficiaries during the caravan. Among the services rendered were 8 cases for delayed registration and notarials, 7 corrections of names and notarials, 3 “one and the same person” affidavits and notarials, 5 legitimations of children and notarials, 2 Special Power of Attorney (SPA) drafting and notarials, 8 lot concerns, 5 solo parent affidavits, and 9 other legal consultations.
One of the beneficiaries, Ma. Jocalyn Valeroso Sarsali, 58 years old, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, saying, “Daghan ang natabangan ug salamat sa paghatag ug serbisyo diri sa Barangay.”
Aligned with the Strategic Change Agenda of the PGBh, this Service Caravan continues to strengthen people-centered governance by ensuring that essential government services reach even the province’s farthest island communities across the Bohol Island Geopark. (PIMO/RJG)
