MANILA, Philippines — Party-list group Tingog has opened three offices in Davao del Norte to ensure that the delivery of government services will be closer to the people of the said area.
In a statement on Wednesday, Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez and her husband Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez expressed optimism about the success of the Alagang Tingog Centers launched in Samal Island, Panabo City, and Carmen town.
Both lawmakers noted that in the past, people had to visit major cities like Davao and Tagum just to avail of government services or request public assistance and benefits.
“I hope that this will provide more fruitful and meaningful partnership between Tingog Party-list and the wonderful people of Davao del Norte. Makakaasa po kayo na lalo naming pag-iibayuhin ang paghahandog ng serbisyo publiko lalo na sa mga lugar na hindi naaabot ng pamahalaan,” Romualdez said.
The Speaker meanwhile hoped that people would maximize these centers to minimize transportation costs and time spent on government transactions.
“We hope and pray that this Alagang Tingog Center can bring government services closer to the people, that the people of Davao del Norte will not be missing out on what they are entitled to just because of geographical barriers,” he said.
Present during the launch of the centers were Davao del Norte Rep. Aldu Dujali, Samal Mayor Al David Uy, Davao del Norte Board Member Mawe Pamisaran, and House Deputy Secretary General Ponyong Gabonada, who represented Romualdez.
The House leader is currently in the United States for a series of engagements, lectures, and meetings with their counterparts in Washington, D.C.
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During the launch of the centers, the Department of Social Welfare and Development also provided 1,000 beneficiaries in Samal Island a P2,000 cash assistance in line with its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program (AICS) program.
Another 800 AICS beneficiaries from Panabo City and 500 people in Carmen also received the cash grant.