Albay: Albay residents celebrated President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s 69th birthday by participating in the 'Handog ng Pangulo' caravan, which took place on Monday. The event brought a variety of government services directly to the community, ensuring accessible and convenient support for Albayanos.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Provincial Health Office provided free medical and dental consultations, eye examinations, electrocardiograms (ECG), as well as the distribution of medicines and soap. Health education, promotion, and vaccination services were also offered. The Department of Health-Bicol Center for Health Development contributed by delivering medical, dental, ophthalmologic services, and vaccinations, aiming to benefit 500 individuals ranging from infants to the elderly.
The Albay Veterinary Office facilitated vaccinations for 50 pets, deworming for 100 animals, and spaying and neutering services for 50 others. Meanwhile, the Albay Police Provincial Office supported residents with clearance applications and processing, and the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor provided legal advice and prosecutor's clearance services.
Further assistance was extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to 600 beneficiaries. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources distributed 1,000 fruit-bearing seedlings and managed wildlife and chainsaw registration, tree-cutting permit processing, and land titling or patent applications. The Department of Agriculture offered payouts under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program and distributed seeds, while the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources provided fingerlings to beneficiaries. The National Food Authority distributed 150 sacks of rice, and the Department of Trade and Industry facilitated business name and Barangay Micro Business Enterprise registration, business consultancy, and supported micro, small, and medium enterprises.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority released scholarship allowances and processed scholarship registrations, targeting 50 beneficiaries for scholarship vouchers valued at PHP2.396 million and 100 beneficiaries for scholarship allowances totaling PHP614,400. The Philippine Statistics Authority offered National ID services and operated a Civil Registration System mobile outlet, providing free birth certificates to the first 500 qualified clients on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Department of Migrant Workers also provided legal and livelihood assistance, along with information and education activities on its programs and services. The caravan allowed local farmers and entrepreneurs to promote and sell their products through government-supported market linkage activities.
Geoffrey Osera, owner of Gio's Pili Nut Store, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase local products to both residents and international visitors. Marjury Loria Lose±o from the Ma-isi Farmers Association in Daraga highlighted the benefits of these events for local producers, including access to potential markets and exposure.
Rose Ann Ramones from Tinago, Camalig, appreciated the convenience and cost savings, noting that the services were centralized and free, allowing her to secure birth certificates and National ID services for her children, along with free medical consultation and medicines.
