Over PHP12 billion worth of government services and some PHP5 billion financial assistance were distributed to nearly two million beneficiaries during the first year of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Speaking at the BPSF Agency Summit 2024 in Pasay City on Monday, Marcos hailed the successful program for bringing government services closer to the people.

“Patunay lamang ito na marmi tayong magagawa sa bayan basta tayo’y nagkaka-isa. Kaya nating baguhin, pabilisin at ilapit sa mga mamamayan ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan (This is just proof that we can bring a lot to the people as long as we are united. We can change, speed up and bring government services closer to the people),” Marcos said in his speech.

“Sabi nga nila, basta gugustuhin natin, magagawan natin ng paraan. Iyan ang tinatawag na asikasong Pinoy. I-apply natin ngayon sa pamahalaan (As they say, as long as we want, we can find a way. That is the so-called Filipino brand of service. Let’s apply it now to the government),” he added.

The country’s biggest government service caravan was held in 21 provinces nationwide within the past year.

Aside from the provision of financial, social and livelihood assistance, and capacity-building programs, Marcos said the government was also able to provide various frontline services such as birth certificate and Social Security System registration; loan applications; driver’s license application and renewal; National Bureau of Investigation clearance application; and passport services.

The President added that free medical checkup, vaccines and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation registration were also provided at BPSF caravans.

Marcos commended the local government units and other partners for making the inaugural year of BPSF a huge success.

He also assured that the BPSF caravan will reach the remaining 60 provinces in the country, adding that the government will also establish service centers to ensure the continuity of the program. (PNA)