The Province of Samar successfully hosted the final installment of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) for 2024, a flagship initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that brings government services directly to the people.
The event, held at the Northwest Samar State University in Calbayog City, delivered over P700 million worth of programs, services and financial aid to more than 60,000 beneficiaries, reaffirming its significance as a critical mechanism for public service delivery.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, the primary proponent of the BPSF, underscored the importance of the program in reaching underserved communities.
“Hindi lamang ito programa. Ito ay simbolo ng taos-pusong serbisyo at pagkakaisa ng pamahalaan at ng sambayanan.”
“Ito ang patuloy nating tugon sa pagnanais ng ating Pangulong Marcos na ilapit ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan. Hindi lamang ito programa. Ito ay simbolo ng taos-pusong serbisyo at pagkakaisa ng pamahalaan at ng sambayanan,” Romualdez explained.
The Samar leg of the BPSF saw the participation of 62 national government agencies and 63 House Representatives’ members, offering over 255 services.
The event allocated P400 million in cash assistance, which was distributed to pre-identified beneficiaries across the province.
“Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, naihatid natin ang pag-asa at tulong sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino.”
“This event represented our commitment to bringing concrete, tangible solutions to the everyday challenges faced by our constituents. Sa pamamagitan ng programang ito, naihatid natin ang pag-asa at tulong sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives said.
Among the key activities were payouts conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), amounting to P300 million and reaching over 20,000 individuals.
Scholarships from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) benefited thousands of students, while livelihood assistance programs supported various sectors.
The opening program featured a ceremonial turnover of 19 programs by 14 agencies.
The event culminated with the “Pagkakaisa Concert” at the Calbayog City Coastal Road, which drew over 10,000 attendees.
The concert celebrated the spirit of unity fostered by the BPSF. In-kind aid worth P316 million was distributed during the event, including 110,000 kilograms of rice, alongside social services, health programs, agricultural aid and regulatory services. These services directly addressed the needs of pre-identified eligible clients across Samar.
The local hosting of the event was spearheaded by Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Samar 1st District Representative Stephen James Tan and Samar 2nd District Representative Reynolds Michael Tan, in collaboration with the Calbayog City government.
Romualdez thanked the local hosts of the event, saying their efforts ensured the seamless delivery of services and maximized the event’s impact on the province.
The Samar BPSF marked the 25th installment of the program and the fourth leg in Region VIII (Eastern Visayas), demonstrating the administration’s commitment to reaching all 82 provinces. This milestone reflected the government’s dedication to making essential services accessible across the country.
Highlights of the Samar leg included targeted livelihood services worth P255 million, educational support amounting to P219 million and agricultural assistance valued at P30 million. The initiative not only addressed immediate needs but also empowered communities through sustainable programs.
Romualdez lauded the collaborative efforts of national agencies, local government units and the private sector in making the Samar BPSF a success.
“Ang tagumpay ng programang ito ay patunay na kapag nagkakaisa ang pamahalaan at ang sambayanan, lahat ay kaya nating abutin,” the veteran legislator concluded.
