DSWD joined various government agencies in delivering programs and services to the residents of Brgy. San Andres in Borongan City, Eastern Samar during the Local Serbisyo Caravan conducted on March 25, 2021.

The agency distributed financial assistance through its Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and family food packs to 65 families endorsed by the Office of the President.

In her speech, the OIC Division Chief of the DSWD VIII Protective Services Division, Alice Viason, said that even if the barangay is hard to reach, “we are enjoying it because our purpose is to bring the services” of the government to the residents – referring to the one-hour trek on the hilly and rocky terrain the government officers had to negotiate to reach Brgy. San Andres.

She was accompanied by the DSWD EO 70 focal, Leilani Jocano, and the Social Welfare and Development Team (SWADT) Leader for Eastern Samar, Edizon Cinco.

For the past five decades, ending the local communist armed conflict was focused mainly on military and police operations, “but now we realized that it is should be a whole-of-nation approach to address the root causes of the insurgency. These are socio-economic and political, “ according to Lt. Col. Oliver Alvior, commanding Officer of 78th Infantry Battalion.

Meanwhile, Adan Carpina, the chairman of Brgy. San Andres, expressed his respect and gratitude to DSWD, the military, police and other government agencies for visiting his barangay to provide programs and services to his people.

On the other hand, Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dyan Agda said, “We are already tired of poverty. That is why we are bringing the government closer to you – the government that will look after your needs.”“I am glad that the president issued EO 70. It enjoins all government agencies to work together for the economic prosperity of every single Filipino in our country.”, Mayor Agda added.

Distribution of family food packs from DSWD and hygiene kits from the Office of Civil Defense, seeds thru the High Value Crop Development Program of the Department of Agriculture, and medical consultation and tooth extraction were among the services delivered to the residents of Brgy. San Andres.

The Retooled Community Support Program (RSCP) known as “Serbisyo Caravan” aims to address identified issues of the community by closing the governance and development gaps, providing the community their needs, and putting an end to the insurgency. The activity is an initiative of the Department of Interior and Local Government in partnership with other National Government Agencies, and the local government units. #DSWDMayMalasakit #FO8isGr8