SAN CARLOS CITY: Over 2,000 residents of this city on Friday availed of various government services with the help of the Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP). PCUP Chair Maynardo Sabili and Commissioner Michelle Gonzales both said the activity was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring to the people the services of different national government agencies.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gonzales mentioned that 30 government agencies converged at the caravan, with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) being the most sought-after agency. She highlighted one of President Marcos’s directives, which was to push for the Universal Health Care program, ensuring that all Filipinos have their own PhilHealth cards. The initiative also included information dissemination about the Konsulta Program, focusing on prevention, initial care, and laboratory tests.
Other government agencies participated in the caravan, offering a variety of services. The Departme
nt of Labor and Employment conducted a job fair, while the Philippine Statistics Authority facilitated the Philippine Identification System registration. The Department of Trade and Industry provided training, and the Land Transportation Office, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Home Mutual Development (Pag-IBIG) Fund were also present.
The Department of Health offered free dental and medical services, and the Public Attorney’s Office provided free legal and notary services. Additionally, the City Veterinary Office administered immunizations to pets, and the City Agriculture Office distributed seedlings to attendees.
The PCUP caravan was conducted in different provinces, with San Carlos City being chosen as the pilot area in the Ilocos Region. “We are honored to be the pilot area in the region, and the last venue of the PCUP caravan this year,” stated San Carlos City Mayor Resuello.
Pangasinan 3rd District Representative Ma. Rachel Arenas expressed her gratitude, indicating that she
requested the holding of the caravan in San Carlos City due to its status as the district’s most populous city.