More than 1,600 participants, composed primarily of housing beneficiaries and residents from neighboring communities, attended the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) People’s Caravan held at the Covered Court/Multi-Purpose Center, Guardians’ Hill AFP/PNP Housing Project, Upper London, Barangay Bawing.

An initiative of NHA General Manager Joeben A. Tai, the People’s Caravan: “Serbisyong Dala ay Pag-Asa” aims to bring essential goods and services from both the public and private sectors closer to resettlement sites, ensuring access to government programs that promote sustainable living.

Under the guidance of GM Tai, NHA Assistant General Manager Alvin S. Feliciano spearheaded the program, with full support from officials including NHA Region 12 Manager Engr. Zenaida M. Cabiles, NHA R12-General Santos City/Koronadal/South Cotabato/Sarangani District Office Officer-in-Charge Engr. Fritzie M. Punzalan, General Santos City Mayor Lorelie G. Pacquiao, Lone District Representative Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles, partner agencies, and the Barangay Bawing local government.

Participants accessed services offered by nearly 25 government and private institutions. These included basic registration services from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and PhilSys for birth certificates, certificates of no marriage, and National IDs; police clearance from the Philippine National Police (PNP); NBI clearance; and verification of membership and issuance of IDs for PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, and Social Security Services (SSS).

Health and hygiene services were also provided, including free medical, dental, and other services such as HIV counseling, family planning commodities, haircuts, maintenance medicines, immunizations for children 1 year old and below, free x-rays, chronic kidney disease tests, and emergency medical response from the Department of Health (DOH), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and City Health Office of General Santos.

Attendees also participated in entrepreneurship and skills development programs. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offered orientations on employment facilitation, the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD). The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assisted with overseas employment evaluation and e-registration of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC). The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducted food safety and skills training demonstrations, while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided business consultancy and online business name registration. Other agencies present included the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) for coop formation, and the City Public Employment Services Office (PESO) for an on-site job fair.

Additional services included free legal counsel and notary services from the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), sales of affordable farm-to-market produce through KADIWA on Wheels from the Department of Agriculture (DA), free seedlings from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the distribution of 1,500 food packs along with orientation on Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The Land Transportation Office (LTO) offered theoretical driving courses, basic safe driving training, and plate number distribution for registered motorists. Digital services and cybersecurity awareness training were provided by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Event amenities included free Wi-Fi, coffee from DTI, cookies and enhanced nutribun from DOST, and logistical support from Barangay Bawing, the Office of the City Mayor, and Representative Bañas.

One of the highlights of the event was the ceremonial awarding of Transfer Certificates of Title (TCT) to three families. The recipients are surviving families of former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel killed during combat or operations, implemented under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP) and MC 2733 of NHA.

The NHA is set to conduct the final People’s Caravan for 2025 in Iligan City later this month, marking its 37th caravan since the program’s launch in 2023.