More than 800 individuals benefited from a multi-sectoral Serbisyo Caravan held in Barangay Balete, Tarlac City, offering a range of free services and assistance.
The caravan provided medical and dental check-ups, x-rays, legal consultations, vaccines, vitamins, medicines, massages, and haircuts. Participants also received livelihood training, vegetable seedlings, rice, grocery packs, and solar lights.
Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Villar, commander of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, emphasized that the initiative addressed the needs of farmers in Hacienda Luisita, particularly members of Malayang Magbubukid ng Asyenda Luisita (MALAYA) and their dependents.
“Our goal is to make government services accessible to everyone. Through this Serbisyo Caravan, we can personally deliver these services and engage with the community,” Villar said.
Other residents of the barangay also received various forms of assistance during the event.
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Acting Regional Director Ulysses Untalan highlighted the whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach in delivering services, aligned with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
“This initiative helps people recognize that their government is actively working for their well-being. It also empowers local governments to promote good governance,” Untalan said.
Tarlac Governor Susan Yap expressed full support for the activity, noting its role in fostering peace and development in the province.
“Tarlac is one of the most peaceful provinces in Central Luzon. Through activities like this, we ensure communities feel seen and heard. My office is always open to you,” Yap assured.
Farmer-beneficiary Augusto Candelaria expressed gratitude for the free medical consultation and medicines he received.
“The free check-up and medicines mean a lot to me and my family. Thank you to everyone who organized this,” he said.
With the theme “Pagbabago ng Komunidad sa Hacienda Luisita Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran,” the event was a collaborative effort of various government agencies and private organizations, including the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, Northern Luzon Command, and the Provincial Government of Tarlac.
It also involved the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, among others.
