Handog ng Pangulo Caravan Brings Government Services to Thousands of South Cotabateños

Thousands of South Cotabateños gathered at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center on Saturday to avail themselves of free services and assistance during the Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Tapat para sa Lahat Caravan, held in celebration of the 68th birthday of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The caravan was graced by Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., along with officials from the DENR, DSWD, DAR, and other agencies who personally led the distribution of various programs, farm machinery, aid, and services to residents.

Spearheaded by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., in partnership with the Presidential Management Staff, DILG, and other national government agencies, the event brought essential government services closer to the grassroots.

Among the highlights were:

• Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR): Distribution of Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM).

• Department of Agriculture (DA): Distribution of farm machinery, equipment to farmers’ groups, and Kadiwa ng Pangulo activities led by Sec. Laurel.

• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR): Distribution of free patents and indigenous tree seedlings.

• Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): Release of checks under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

From the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, programs included:

• Kabugwason Paglaum Scholarship Program (KPSP): Distribution of certificates to grantees.

• Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO): Distribution of certificates to Alalay Negosyo, Ginhawa at Trabaho (ANGAT) beneficiaries.

• Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG): Distribution of seeds and seedlings.

• South Cotabato Provincial Hospital/IPHO: Free medical services and consultations.

Additional services were also rolled out in key venues:

• DOLE: Jobs Fair at Mall of Ace Centerpoint.

• TESDA: Distribution of starter tool kits at Koronadal City Jail.

• DOH: Health outreach programs in Koronadal City, Banga, and Tboli.

Governor Tamayo expressed his gratitude to President Marcos, Secretary Laurel, and the participating agencies for their unwavering support to South Cotabato.

“This caravan reflects our shared commitment to bring services closer to the people. On behalf of the Provincial Government, I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., and all partner agencies for making this possible,” the governor said.

The event highlighted the importance of national and local government collaboration in ensuring that communities, especially those in the provinces, have direct access to essential services, livelihood programs, and opportunities.