DAVAO ORIENTAL — Proving that providing genuine service knows no limits, Governor Nelson Dayanghirang conquered rough roads and traveling long distance to bring basic government services to four (4) poverty-stricken communities in the Municipality of Baganga through the Nagkakaisang Lingkod-bayan ng Davao Oriental – Sitio Outreach Caravan held on October 19-20, 2020.
More than a hundred representatives from various provincial government departments and national agencies offered scores of different services and interventions, and distributed goods to the residents of Sitio Tigbawan and Sitio Nursery in Barangay Binondo, Sitio Lawaan in Barangay Kinablangan, and Sitio Casunugan in Barangay Mahan-ub.
It was the first time the people from these sitios were able to see and feel the government’s presence, says the Punong Barangay of the barangays visited.
Services Offered
Excitement can be felt from people’s faces as they availed the services offered. The Municipal Health Office of Baganga, in coordination with the Provincial Capitol Clinic and Provincial Health Office, offered free medical check-up, and gave free medicines. The 701st Brigade of the Philippine Army conducted “Operation Tuli” for young boys, while free haircut service and hot meals distribution were in charge to the Philippine National Police.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) delivered social services to senior citizens, distributed assistive devices such as walkers and wheelchairs for persons with disability, gave away sports equipment for the youth and food packs for each household.
To provide additional source of income to farmers and residents, the Provincial Agriculture Office and the Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) distributed seedlings, vegetable seeds and other farm inputs.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) conducted an advocacy campaign on disaster preparedness and precautionary measures against COVID-19 pandemic. It also gave away free calendars, emergency bells, and first-aid kits.
Philealth also attended the two-day caravan and issued Member Data Records (MDR) to the residents.
The Provincial Veterinarian’s Office offered free vitamins, medicines, and antibiotics for the residents’ pets and livestock.
The Land Transportation Office also sent representatives to educate the residents about the process of getting driver’s license and answer queries regarding land transportation.
Pushing for Genuine Peace and Development
Beyond simply delivering services, the NLD-SOC also served as the government’s way to encourage the residents to take part in the peace campaign and in the achieving the goal of ending the communist armed conflict by “eliminating the breeding ground of the insurgents which is the hinterland sitios.”
For Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, attaining peace has been his administration’s top priority. The reason why the government is finally able to reach the areas which have not been visited before.
“Years ago, I would fear visiting your place because of their (insurgents’) presence. But now, as you can see, the government is here because your place is now peaceful. What is there to fear when the enemy’s no longer here?” Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said, encouraging the residents to foster peace and keep their place from being the hotbeds of communist insurgency like they used to.
The Governor was not hindered by the challenging trail that required him to endure a 30-minute ride aboard a military truck and cross a wooden hanging bridge just to get to one of the farthest sitios – Sitio Casunugan in Barangay Mahan-ub.
He was joined by Board Member Nelson “JR” Dayanghirang, Board Member Larry Taya, Baganga Mayor Arturo Monday, Vice-Mayor Ramona Olea, Provincial Administrator Mr. Art Benjie Bulaong, Lt. Col. Louie Dimaala, Philhealth Head Officer Jonas Pang, and the head of the Baganga Police Station.
“We are bringing the government’s programs to every sitio, regardless of the distance, so they can be directly given to the residents. You will no longer need to walk miles and pay for fare just to avail of the services. In return, I am requesting you to maintain your place’s peace and order, and not support the New People’s Army. There is no reason for us to be divided because the government is here helping you, tending to your needs,” Governor Dayanghirang added.
Assessing the situation of the roads, as he experienced first-hand the struggle of the residents in getting access to the center of the municipality, the Governor promised projects to help rehabilitate the roads to make it more efficient for the residents and travelers alike.
Moreover, he pledged to give the government’s best efforts to continue the services for the people.“It’s not the last time we will visit,” the Governor promised. By Shaye Dacles | Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
