Lawyer Kaye Yap, the spokesperson for the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV), highlighted their achievements in 2023 during the press conference on Wednesday, December 13.| CDN Photo/ Pia Piquero
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) concludes the year 2023 with a milestone, having impacted over a hundred thousand beneficiaries through its Bayan Bangon Muli (BBM) program.
Throughout the year, OPAV organized six service caravans across the region, extending its outreach programs to Region VI.
These caravans featured feeding programs, free medical services, and the distribution of relief goods, benefiting communities in need.
Looking ahead, OPAV envisions expanding its initiatives, welcoming the active participation of various offices and agencies in future caravans.
In the coming year, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, initiated by the office of the president, is set to continue, reaching more communities.
“In the coming year, we will be continuing the program of the Office of the President, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair. The concept is bringing all government agencies closer to the people,” said Lawyer Kaye Yap, the spokesperson for OPAV, during the press conference on Wednesday, December 13.
The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair builds upon the success of the BBM program, utilizing a similar framework to bring government services directly to the people.
The objective remains to bridge the gap between government agencies and the citizens they serve, with a focus on regions that may face accessibility challenges.
The pilot events in Compostela and Cadiz, regions 7 and 6 respectively, were successful, prompting plans for more events in the coming year.
With this, OPAV aims to conduct these fairs regularly to maximize their impact on communities.
Anticipating the diverse needs of the public, OPAV is exploring collaborations with private sectors, including entities like the Cebu Chamber of Commerce.
This collaborative effort aims to broaden the scope of services offered during the fairs, creating a more comprehensive and inclusive platform for the public.
Among the services requested by the public, the LTO’s driver’s licensing and renewal, as well as the ID system, have been identified as crucial areas for improvement.
OPAV is considering the logistics and locations for these services, ensuring accessibility for everyone, including senior citizens and those in far-flung areas.
While addressing these needs, OPAV acknowledges challenges such as internet connectivity and database availability.
Thorough discussions are underway to streamline the implementation process, ensuring a seamless experience for both government agencies and the people seeking services.
The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair embodies a one-stop-shop approach, bringing together a minimum of 10 government agencies to provide comprehensive services directly to the people.
OPAV believes that direct coordination with other agencies is a key strength of the program, enhancing its overall effectiveness in serving the community.
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