Over 120,000 Caviteños benefitted from around P1 billion worth of government programs, services, and cash assistance during the two-day Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) held in the province of Cavite in the last week of September, 2024. The fair, a flagship initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aimed to bring essential government services directly to the people, highlighting the administration’s focus on public welfare and development.
The event, spearheaded by Speaker Martin Romualdez and co-hosted by Cavite’s prominent political figures, Sen. Bong Revilla and Rep. Lani Mercado was attended by 65 different government agencies. These agencies collectively delivered a total of 235 programs, including social welfare services, employment opportunities, education assistance, and rice distribution.
Government Programs Benefit Caviteños
A significant part of the aid consisted of P451 million in cash assistance and 255,500 kilograms of rice distributed across the province. House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez emphasized the importance of the BPSF in delivering direct services to Filipinos. “The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair proves that no one will be left behind in President Marcos’ vision for a new Philippines,” Romualdez said. He further added that the government services provided during the fair were efficient, convenient, and brought joy to many beneficiaries.
This event marked the 24th BPSF in the country, with previous fairs already delivering over P13 billion in aid to over 2.8 million Filipino families across 23 provinces.
Key Agencies and Programs Involved
Among the key government agencies present at the Cavite BPSF were the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Each agency provided specific services aimed at improving the lives of the residents.
The DSWD led the distribution of cash assistance through its Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), benefitting around 70,000 low-income families. This program, popularly known as DSWD AKAP, is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to alleviate the financial struggles of vulnerable groups in the region. Additionally, the DOLE provided short-term employment opportunities through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, while TESDA offered scholarships and training to help residents gain new skills for better employment prospects.
Romualdez stressed the importance of these programs in helping Filipinos recover from economic challenges and achieve sustainable livelihoods. “Through these programs, we help our fellow citizens rise from hardship and find employment or livelihood opportunities,” he noted.
Nationwide Impact of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair
The Cavite BPSF is part of a larger nationwide initiative aimed at visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines. As of this event, the BPSF has already served 24 areas, bringing essential services directly to the doorsteps of millions of Filipinos. Romualdez assured the public that this initiative would continue, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Filipino feels the presence of the government in their daily lives.
With services ranging from health and education to livelihood and social protection, the BPSF represents a comprehensive approach to governance. Romualdez praised the cooperation of local officials in making the Cavite fair a success. “The success of the Service Fair is an example of our unity to ensure that every Filipino feels the presence of the government,” he said.
Upcoming Events and Further Assistance
Cavite’s BPSF follows similar fairs held in Laguna and Batangas, and plans are underway to expand the initiative to more provinces in the coming months. The government continues to emphasize the importance of delivering fast, efficient, and enjoyable public services through this program. According to Romualdez, the BPSF is a model for what can be achieved when different sectors of government work together to serve the people.
Lawyer Shawn Capucion of the BPSF National Secretariat stated that the Cavite leg of the fair would benefit a total of 100,000 residents. He also confirmed that the AKAP payouts would continue in the coming weeks, ensuring that more low-income Caviteños would receive much-needed financial assistance.
Final Thoughts
The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Cavite showcased the government’s ongoing commitment to public service and nation-building. With P1 billion in aid distributed and a wide range of services provided, the BPSF continues to be a beacon of hope for many Filipinos in need. This initiative demonstrates the government’s resolve to uplift the lives of every citizen, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress.
Watch this video for a preview of what happened at the 24th BPSF in Cavite: