The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte’s (PGIN) roving one-stop-shop, Manang Imee’s Capitol Express, resumed bringing its frontline services to Ilocanos in the town of Bacarra last February 21, 2016.
After three months, its comeback featured a new service called ‘pulung-pulong’ or community meetings and consultations.
‘Pulung-pulong’ aims to further encourage public participation and engagement to the services of the capitol, since one of PGIN’s goal is to improve the efficiency and transparency of its programs and services.
“Through the pulung-pulong, we are able to talk to and discuss with different sectors including women’s groups, farmers associations, day care workers and barangay health workers regarding their concerns, requests and other inquiries,” explained Dr. Loida Valenzuela, one of the persons in-charge of the program.
Most of the requests, according to her, include livelihood and financial assistance as well as reconstruction of roads and agricultural infrastructure.
Moreover, their discussions are immediately forwarded to the governor which will be given proper action.
Governor Imee Marcos said that through the Sustainable Center for Development (formerly Millennium Development Goals Office), the project will be continuously improved based on the peoples’ top priorities and concerns.
PGIN’s flagship agricultural program dubbed as ‘Paspas Dur-as Biag ti Away!’ (rapid development in the rural areas) is also integrated with the conduct of Manang Imee’s Capitol Express.
‘Paspas Dur-as Biag ti Away!’ was launched on November 2015 to focus on enhancing the quality of agriculture in the province by providing support to Ilocano farmers as well as improving farming practices across the province.
Activities include distribution of fertilizers, pesticides, fruit-bearing seedlings and other agricultural products and equipment. Clients also avail of free medical services and legal consultation among others.—Jennifer T. Pambid, PGIN-CMO
