House Speaker Martin Romualdez speaks to a huge crowd in Iloilo during the local launch of the BPSF. (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez attested to the success of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) Saturday, Dec. 9, even as he led the conduct of the all-encompassing public service program in Iloilo. 

“Since we launched the BPSF with Malacañang early this year in Biliran, we have been to several provinces and provided services to hundreds of thousands of Filipinos. So far, the response of the people has been unbelievable," Romualdez said in a speech at the event. 

"This is our gauge that the program is a resounding success,” added Romualdez, the fourth highest elected official of the land and President Marcos' top ally in the legislature. 

A public service caravan, the BPSF will be at the Guimbal National High School (GNHS) in Guimbal town, Iloilo for two days, from Saturday to Sunday. 

“We thank all government agencies who helped make this program a reality. This is our response to President Marcos Jr.’s challenge to bring government services closer to the people. And now, we bring this success to Iloilo,” said the Speaker, a key organizer of F. 

The BPSF aims to serve over 100,000 beneficiaries in Iloilo. There were over 80,000 registered beneficiaries on the first day alone. 

For the Iloilo leg, some 51 government agencies will be providing 160 government services to Iloilo residents, including social services, financial assistance and regulatory functions. 

It also includes “ayuda” or financial grants from government agencies such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). 

The BPSF serves a dual purpose: to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of government services and to increase public awareness about various government programs and projects, fostering greater appreciation and understanding among the Ilonggos. 

“This initiative reflects the House of Representatives’ commitment to actively contribute to the President’s directives and play a vital role in shaping a Bagong Pilipinas,” Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), said. 

On top of the offer of government services, a pasasalamat concert (thanksgiving concert) will also be held on the first night of the service caravan at the Guimbal National High School Track and Field Oval with free admission. It is expected to draw a crowd of at least 10,000 people. 

Speaker Romualdez says he hopes to visit all 82 provinces for the BPSF,  which would result to a total of two million beneficiaries. 

The service caravan is being implemented in cooperation with Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor and Iloilo Reps. Janette Garin, Ferjenel Biron, Jam Baronda, Michael Gorriceta, Lorenz Defensor and Raul Tupas. 

The BPSF has been to Ilocos Norte, Camarines Sur, Leyte, Laguna, Bukidnon, and Isabela earlier this year.