Zambo Barangayanihan caravan brings more gov’t services closer to public

By Myra Cel L. Espinosa

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct 8 (PIA) – Residents who availed of the services at the Barangayanihan Caravan in City Mall here today say they welcome such an activity, in which government services are made more accessible and are brought to other places such as malls. 

(Photo Courtesy of Ivan Eric Salvador, DSWD 9)

“We are thankful for such an activity in which we can get police clearance even outside the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) and now it’s here in the mall where it’s comfortable,” said Roselle Atilano, a jobseeker. Atilano was unaware of the activity but was lucky enough to be at the mall today. “Hopefully they continue to do similar activities to decongest their offices.” 

Other mall-goers also shared the same sentiment. “There are other government services which should be brought in malls to avoid over-crowding in the government offices to avoid COVID-19,” said Jayson Veloso who complains of having to wake up very early just to queue in one of the government offices just to be able to avail of services. 

(Photo Courtesy of ZCPO)

Different national and local government agencies unify to bring the Barangayanihan Caravan in Zamboanga City and to provide various services to all Zamboangeños. Other services during the caravan at City Mall today include application to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarship programs, and public assistance from Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) particulary on their jobs program.

Aside from the services, distribution of information education materials were also provided by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) together with City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

One of the objectives of this caravan is to bring government services closer to the public. It is also an initiative of the government to counter misinformation by sharing the right information of different government programs. 

(Photo Courtesy of ZCPO)

The Barangayanihan Caravan in the city follows the nationwide simultaneous kick-off held last Septemeber 30, 2021 in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. (RVC/EDT/MLE/PIA9-Zamboanga City)