SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – An inter-agency collaboration through the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-La Union’s 2024 Barangay Forum brought essential social services closer to the grassroots communities of Barangay Cadaclan in this city on Oct. 31.
Cadaclan, a remote barangay in the city, was selected as the venue for the inter-agency collaboration to provide its citizens who have limited access to basic services with the opportunity to learn about and access social support.
This event is part of the PIA’s mandate to extend government services to underserved communities through information campaigns.
The forum, titled “Solidarity for Progress: Fostering Quality of Life and Growth Through Social Welfare,” emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual support among government agencies and local governments in raising the community’s quality of life.
Representatives from the provincial government of La Union, the city government of San Fernando, and key national agencies—including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund, La Union Police Provincial Office, and Department of Labor and Employment —showcased their programs aimed at social welfare.
Each agency delivered a presentation on the social services they offer and set up a booth with brochures, flyers, and other information, education, and communication materials.
At this booth, participants could also speak directly with government personnel.
These resources were provided to help attendees easily identify and access the services most relevant to their needs.
Additionally, contact numbers of focal persons for social services were provided, enabling participants to directly communicate with representatives regarding their specific needs.
The programs presented include access to social security, health benefits, livelihood assistance, and other essential support services.
A key component of the forum was its participatory approach, which encouraged an open dialogue where participants could ask questions and seek guidance on accessing these services.
This bottom-up approach promoted a sense of partnership between the community members and government representatives, empowering participants to become active contributors in local development efforts.
PIA Region 1 Regional Head, Jennilyne Role, underscored the importance of unity among communities, local governments, and national agencies in creating a safer and more prosperous environment.
“Through the unified efforts of our local government and national agencies, we are ensuring not only the delivery of social services but the building of a community united in progress and development,” Role said.
In a message delivered by Justo Oros III, Executive Assistant IV of the Provincial Government of La Union, Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David emphasized the forum’s vital role in informing residents about the essential services available to them.
“It is crucial that people know how to access health services, livelihood programs, financial assistance, and other free support services from government agencies. This empowers our communities and promotes a more holistic approach to social services,” Ortega-David emphasized.
Participant Nellie Minoc meanwhile expressed her appreciation for the forum, noting how it expanded her understanding and would help her make more informed choices in the future.
“This gathering is important because it enhances our knowledge. The more we know, the better we can navigate available resources. I hope more people like us get to participate in these events in the future,” Minoc shared.
The barangay forum concluded with a commitment to collaboration, setting the groundwork for continued improvements in community welfare and development in La Union. (AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)
