31/05/2026
Residents and local officials expressed gratitude and appreciation following the successful staging of the first Barangay Information Caravan with One-Stop Shop of Government Services organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Oriental Mindoro in Barangay Wawa here.
The initiative brought together various government agencies to provide frontline services directly to residents, many of whom said the program spared them from costly and time-consuming trips to the town center.
Barangay Wawa Councilor Gemma Carena Magsino, speaking on behalf of village officials, thanked the agency for bringing government services closer to far-flung communities.
“We are very thankful to the PIA because for the first time, different government agencies were gathered and brought here to our barangay. On behalf of our Barangay captain, we sincerely appreciate that despite our distance from the town proper, you still came to serve us,” she said in Filipino.
Among the beneficiaries was 61-year-old Genelita Manalo Amante, who sought assistance regarding her Pag-IBIG membership and loan concerns.
“I currently have a loan with Pag-IBIG, and I asked about my self-employed membership where I pay P200 monthly. They helped clear up my confusion on how to continue my monthly payments. Aside from that, my membership and ID cards are all in order,” she said.
Amante also cited the importance of the services offered during the caravan.
“We are grateful that they came and spent time assisting people who do not yet have PhilHealth, SSS, or Pag-IBIG memberships because these are important for every individual to have,” she added.
Maria Charo Enriquez, 46 years old, meanwhile visited the booths of the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund.
“This program is very beneficial because we saved money on transportation and also saved time. People no longer needed to travel to town, and the offices of these agencies are not even beside each other. We usually need two rides just to get there,” she said.
Enriquez added, “But because of this caravan, we did not spend anything on transportation, and our concerns were addressed quickly since there were no long lines. It was also comfortable because the services were held at the covered court. Thank you to the PIA.”
Another resident, 47-year-old Erwin Jumig, availed himself of several government services during the activity.
“I was able to get my PSA National ID and also update my PhilHealth records. I was also happy to receive vegetable seeds from the Department of Agriculture. These will really be useful,” he said.
Jumig noted that transportation costs remain a challenge for residents living far from the town center.
“It is good that these agencies came here because nowadays, transportation fares to the town proper are already expensive. We only rely on tricycles here, unless you own a motorcycle or vehicle. Otherwise, you really have to spend money on fare,” he said.
“Thank you very much to the PIA, and hopefully more barangays can also be visited by this program,” he added.
Following the conclusion of the first Barangay Information Caravan in Barangay Wawa, several residents from nearby communities immediately sent messages to PIA Oriental Mindoro requesting that similar activities also be conducted in their areas.
Among them was Amara Brielle of Barangay Bayanan 2, who expressed hope that the caravan would soon reach their community. Joy Rivero from the town of Baco likewise called for the program’s expansion, saying, “Hopefully every barangay can also have a caravan.” | via Ace Sapit
