SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – Over 700 residents of this locality, including those belonging to marginalized sectors, gathered at the La Union Convention Center recently for the 6th Dagyaw Open Government Town Hall Meeting, highlighting the need for stronger social protection programs in the Ilocos Region.
Under the theme “Proteksyon at Serbisyo ng Gobyerno, Alalay at Kalinga sa Bawat Pilipino,” the event provided a platform for open dialogue between government officials and citizens.
The Dagyaw initiative was spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).
Key government agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment, National Commission on Senior Citizens, National Economic and Development Authority, Technical Skills and Development Authority, Department of Health, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Pag-IBIG Fund were present to address concerns and provide information on their programs.
Private sector partners such as Unbound Quezon Project Foundation, Inc., and La Union Vibrant Women, Inc. also participated in the discussions.
Apart from the dialogue, government service booths were set up to bring the agencies’ services closer to the people.
Edina Navalta Gacayan, a parent leader from the city who participated in the event, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to voice concerns and learn about available programs.
“I am confident that these social protection initiatives will significantly reduce poverty, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of government services,” she said.
La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David emphasized the importance of public trust and accountable public service.
“It is about creating an open, neutral, and protected space for dialogue where we can build mutual trust and understanding,” Ortega-David said, adding, “We are united in our goal to create a government that listens to everyone, big or small, and addresses all concerns.” (AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)
