Libacao: A three-day Serbisyo Caravan by various government agencies has, for the first time, reached the remotest barangay of Libacao, Aklan after a long and arduous journey starting on June 15.
According to Philippines News Agency, this Serbisyo Caravan, a collaboration of government agencies and community partners, allowed the residents of Dalagsa-an, a geographically isolated area in Libacao, to access crucial government services that are typically out of reach. Lt. Col. Jovert Pimentel, commanding officer of the 82nd Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Division of the Philippine Army, stated that the event from June 15 to 18 brought PHP2 million to PHP3 million worth of services, with PHP600,000 allocated as the initial fund for an integrated organic farming project managed by the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit. The project, totaling PHP1.2 million, will receive the remaining funds upon achieving certain milestones.
The Serbisyo Caravan also provided free medical check-ups to 197 beneficiaries, circumcisions to 45 children, and National ID registrations to 251 residents through the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Sixty-five residents availed of free haircuts from Army and Philippine National Police personnel. Army troopers transported PSA computer equipment to facilitate registrations, as many residents lacked essential documents such as birth certificates and marriage contracts. Starlink connectivity was installed for e-consultations with doctors unable to attend in person.
The event included engagements with the youth, citizen arrest training for barangay tanods, and action planning for a sustainable livelihood program. Lt. Col. Pimentel emphasized the importance of the Philippine Army's presence in strengthening territorial defense and coordinating with other agencies.
The caravan reached the barangay after crossing the Aklan River multiple times and trekking over challenging terrains for several hours. Dalagsa-an, located nearly 22 km from the town proper, consists of four to five sitios, with travel between them requiring a demanding 5 to 10-hour trek. It is one of the most forested areas in Aklan, bordering Calinog, Iloilo, and forming a tri-boundary with Aklan, Antique, and Iloilo.
Volunteers and hired porters, compensated with PHP700 to PHP1,000 each, assisted in transporting logistics to the mountainous barangay. Punong Barangay Esmeraldo Orao expressed deep gratitude to all participating agencies for their dedication to the community's needs, stating that the initiative reflects true public service.
Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, 3rd Infantry Division commander, remarked that the outreach program embodies the principle "Remote, but not forgotten." He emphasized that the Serbisyo Caravan serves as a reminder of the value of labor, even in the remotest areas, and that the spirit of Father's Day extends to all corners of Aklan.
The activity was organized in partnership with the provincial government of Aklan, the local government of Libacao, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the National Commission on Indigenous People.
