SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Over 700 residents, including marginalized sectors, gathered at the La Union Convention Center here recently for the 6th Dagyaw Open Government Town Hall Meeting, highlighting the need for stronger social protection programs in the Ilocos Region.
Under the theme “Proteksyon at Serbisyo ng Gobyerno, Alalay at Kalinga sa Bawat Pilipino,” the event provided a platform for open dialogue between government officials and citizens.
Participants, such as Edina Navalta Gacayan, a parent leader from the city, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to voice concerns and learn about available programs.
“I am confident that these social protection initiatives will significantly reduce poverty, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the quality of government services,” she said.
La Union Governor Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David emphasized the importance of public trust and accountable public service.
“It is about creating an open, neutral, and protected space for dialogue where we can build mutual trust and understanding,” Governor Ortega-David said.
“We are united in our goal to create a government that listens to everyone, big or small, and addresses all concerns,” she added.
Key government agencies, including the Department of Labor and Employment, the National Commission on Senior Citizens, the National Economic and Development Authority, the Technical Skills and Development Authority, the Department of Health, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Pag-IBIG Fund, were present to address concerns and provide information on their programs.
Private sector partners such as Unbound Quezon Project Foundation, Inc., and La Union Vibrant Women, Inc. also participated in the discussions.
Beyond the dialogue, government service booths were set up to bring the government closer to the people.
The Dagyaw initiative, a joint project of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), aims to bridge the gap between the government and its citizens, especially the marginalized.
By addressing the needs of vulnerable groups, the government hopes to create a more inclusive and equitable society. By Rocky Bautista
