Manila: The Department of Finance (DOF) launched on Tuesday the Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) Caravan, a one-stop shop designed to make the services of government corporations closer and more accessible to Filipinos. The initiative aims to bring frontline government services directly to the people by setting up booths in widely accessible locations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the GOCC Caravan was launched at Robinsons Place Manila. It is a project of the DOF, in partnership with Robinsons Malls and collaboration with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and participating GOCCs. The initiative is seen as a concrete response to the President's directive to make government services more accessible to the public.
'Ang caravan na ito ay konkretong tugon sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo na ilapit ang mga serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga tao. Sa halip na ang publiko ang pumunta sa ating mga tanggapan, tayo na mismo ang lalapit at makipag-ugnayan sa kanila. Hindi lamang ito programa, kundi patunay sa determinasyon ng gobyerno na gawing mas inclusibo at makatao ang sistema,' Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said in a news release.
Participating in the caravan were the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Pag-IBIG Fund, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, Land Bank of the Philippines, and Development Bank of the Philippines. These corporations offered services such as addressing claim inquiries, loan applications, and membership concerns, along with financial literacy sessions to help Filipinos gain financial freedom.
The BIR provided tax consultations to inform the public about tax policies and processes, while the Small Business Corporation assisted micro, small, and medium enterprises with loan application concerns. The National Development Company and Bases Conversion and Development Authority were also present to promote investments and highlight the country's flagship projects.
'We want citizens to feel that the government is not just in offices or faraway agencies, but present, proactive, and committed to serve,' DOF Corporate Sector and Strategic Infrastructure Group (CSSIG) Undersecretary Rolando Tungpalan said. The DOF CSSIG ensures that GOCCs operate efficiently, remain fiscally sound, and generate consistent value for Filipinos.
In the coming months, the DOF plans to bring the caravans to more locations nationwide.
