A total of 241 House leaders and members show their solidarity and support for the Eastern Visayas mega Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) initiated by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez in Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte on Friday (Aug. 2, 2024). At least 253,000 people benefited from the service caravan that rolled out P1.26-billion worth of services and cash aid as BPSF marks its first year.
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Friday assured more funding for the programs and projects under the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in the 2025 national budget to ensure that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s flagship public service program continues to deliver government services directly to the people and reach more Filipinos across the country.
Speaking at the mega BPSF for Eastern Samar held in Tacloban City, Leyte, Speaker Romualdez highlighted the unity and commitment of the House of Representatives in supporting the initiative.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives announced that next week, the legislative body will begin deliberations on the P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025, which includes allocations for programs and services to help the people.
He promised that the House will work tirelessly to ensure more funds are provided for programs and services essential to the component of BPSF, such as Kadiwa ng Pangulo, Passport on Wheels, Driver’s License registration/assistance, among others.
“Araw-araw, gabi-gabi ay magta-trabaho ang inyong Kongreso para mapabilis at masiguro ang pagpasa ng budget para mas marami pa tayong matulungan sa ating mga kababayan. Ito ang Bagong Pilipinas, ito ang bagong Kongreso,” the Speaker declared.
The House chief also reinforced the government’s commitment to continue the fair nationwide, ensuring that no region is left behind.
“Nandito po kaming lahat at lilibutin natin ang buong Pilipinas at itutuloy po natin ito hanggang matapos ang buong Pilipinas,” he stressed.
Speaker Romualdez also reiterated the President’s goal of making government services more accessible to every Filipino through the BPSF initiative.
“Hangarin po ng ating Pangulo na ibaba ang lahat ng mga programa ng gobyerno, lahat ng mga produkto, at lahat ng mga serbisyo sa taumbayan,” the Speaker said.
“Kailangang ilapit natin lahat ng mga sangay ng gobyerno sa taumbayan. Kaya nandito po kami para siguraduhing happy kayo,” he added.
The mega BPSF in Tacloban City was a remarkable event, drawing 241 House members — the highest attendance in a BPSF to date.
“Pwede nang mag-session sa dami ng kongresistang sumama,” was a common observation among attendees.
The event also saw participation from several government officials, including Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, 12 governors, three vice governors, nine mayors and 16 officials from the Executive Department.
The overwhelming support and attendance underscored the significance of the BPSF and the commitment of the government to deliver essential services to the Filipino people.
The event distributed P1.26 billion worth of government services to 253,000 beneficiaries across Eastern Visayas, including mini-BPSFs in Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Southern Leyte and Biliran.
Speaker Romualdez expressed his gratitude to the lawmakers who crossed party lines to attend the event.
House Deputy Majority Leader and ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo thanked President Marcos, Speaker Romualdez, and Congress for ensuring that financial assistance reaches the people.
“Napakalaking bagay po ng tulong na ito mula sa ating Pangulo at Kongreso. Maraming salamat po, lalo na kay Speaker Romualdez, sa patuloy na pagsuporta sa ating mga kababayan,” Tulfo stated.
Sen. Revilla also expressed his gratitude to President Marcos and Speaker Romualdez for their unending assistance to Filipinos, especially those in need.
“Ang Serbisyo Fair na ito ay patunay na nagkakaisa ang ating pamahalaan para sa kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino,” Revilla said.
Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the significant impact of the BPSF.
“Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa ating Pangulo, kay Speaker Romualdez, at sa buong Kongreso. Ang inyong tulong at suporta ay napakalaking ginhawa sa aming mga kababayan dito sa Leyte,” Petilla remarked.
Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez noted the collaboration between national and local governments.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami kay President Marcos, kay Speaker Romualdez, at sa lahat ng mambabatas na nagpunta rito. Ang kanilang pagsisikap ay nagbunga ng malaking tulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Mayor Romualdez said.
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