President Marcos renewed his promise to Filipinos that the government would not ignore their needs as he led the delivery of different services to Dasmariñas, Cavite, on Friday, March 21.

"Hindi po kami aalis hangga't kayo ay nangangailangan ng tulong galing sa pamahalaan (We will not leave you as long as you need the government's help)," he said.

"Nandito po kami lagi (We're always here)," he added.

The "Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas" at the Dasmariñas Arena on Friday hosted about 3,000 graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4PS) and beneficiaries of the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-led job fair.

The event offered 3,600 job vacancies from 41 employers, comprising 38 local and three overseas companies. It likewise featured a one-stop shop for employment pre-screening and advisory services provided by various national government agencies.

During the event, DOLE distributed P5,600 each to 500 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and awarded various livelihood and financial aids to its beneficiaries under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

The event also featured a two-part medical mission by the Department of Health (DOH) which offers screening laboratory services, including electrocardiograms (ECGs) and X-rays, medical consultations, pneumonia vaccinations, anti-dengue commodities, and the provision of medicines, among other services.

In addition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P3,000 to each AICS beneficiary, while the Department of Agriculture (DA)-led KADIWA stalls provided affordable basic goods.

The National Food Authority (NFA) also sold a total of 8,000 kilos (160 bags) of rice at P29 per kilo, along with 2,500 kilos (50 bags) of rice under the Rice-For-All (RFA) program at P35 per kilo.

CALAX inspection

Prior to the job fair, President Marcos led an inspection of the ongoing construction of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Governor's Drive Interchange.

CALAX, a 44.6-kilometer four-lane expressway, aims to improve connectivity between Cavite and Laguna, home to the country's key economic zones.

During the inspection, particular focus was given to the Governor's Drive Interchange, which is currently 44 percent complete and targeted for full operation by the third quarter of
2025. Once operational, this segment will decongest Governor's Drive and provide seamless access to major economic hubs in the region.

The completion of the CALAX is expected to ease traffic on major thoroughfares such as Governor's Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, further boosting trade, tourism, and economic activity in the region.

It is also expected to significantly reduce travel time between the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) by about 45 minutes, benefiting up to 95,000 motorists daily.

Additionally, it will connect to Cavitex, providing a seamless link between Metro Manila and Calabarzon.

Currently, operational segments of CALAX include entry at Mamplasan and interchanges at Laguna Boulevard, Laguna Technopark, Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road, Silang East, and Silang Aguinaldo.