RPPe Speaker to BPSF agency summit participants: We made real, tangible differences in people’s lives 

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday told participants of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair Agency Summit that the work they do in the festival of government services has really made real and tangible differences in the lives of people in 21 of the provinces they have visited so far.

To highlight the importance of the BPSF, Speaker Romualdez also revealed that no less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. will be gracing the Agency Summit, which is being held at the PICC Forum in Pasay City from Aug. 19 to 21, at the Gabi ng Pagkakaisa Fellowship Dinner scheduled at 6 p.m. today.

“The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, a visionary initiative under the leadership of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is much more than a program. It is a living embodiment of our collective dedication to bringing government services directly to the people, ensuring that no one is left behind, no matter how remote or underserved their community may be,” Speaker Romualdez told participants during his welcome message at the opening of the event today.

“However, the success of this endeavor is not just about reaching numbers or launching programs. It is about the real, tangible difference we make in the lives of our kababayan,” the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives added.

“It is about the child who receives life-saving medical attention, the elderly who finally feel the support of a caring government, the farmer who gains access to vital resources, and the student who sees education as a door to a brighter future. These stories of transformation are the true measure of our success,” he said. 

The Agency Summit was attended by almost 1,500 participants, including regional directors and regional heads from 75 national government agencies in 17 regions of the country and from the central offices. 

Also, as the BPSF is an initiative of Speaker Romualdez and the House of Representatives, a huge number of lawmakers have confirmed attendance to the Gabi ng Pagkakaisa Fellowship Dinner with President Marcos Jr.

“None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts, unwavering commitment and seamless collaboration of every government department and agency represented here. To each and every one of you, I extend my deepest gratitude,” Speaker Romualdez expressed.

He thanked the Department of Health for tirelessly ensuring that healthcare services reach even the most distant barangays, as well as the Department of Social Welfare and Development for being the lifeline for the country’s most vulnerable citizens and other departments. 

“… To the Department of Education, for bringing hope and knowledge to the farthest corners of our nation; and to all the other agencies that have poured their hearts into this mission – you have my utmost respect and appreciation,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“Your dedication has proven that when we break down silos, when we converge our efforts, and when we focus on a common goal, we can overcome any challenge. The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair is a testament to the power of interagency collaboration – a model of how government should function, not in isolation, but as a unified force working for the greater good,” he said .

The first day of the Agency Summit will feature a paper presentation by Prof. Lianne Angelico Lipante, chair of the Public Management Program of the University of the Philippines, entitled “Mabilis at Maayos na Pamamahala Tungo sa Masaya at Maginhawang Bagong Pilipinas: Assessing the BPSF Throught the Lens of 4MS.

Also, the website of the BPSF was launched today led by Atty. Shawn Capucion, head of the Programs Division of the Office of the Speaker.

NEDA USec Rosemarie Edillon also gave a small talk on Effective Strategies for Program Implementation, which was followed by a panel discussion led by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Davao de Oro Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora, and House Deputy Secretary General Sofonias “Ponyong” P. Gabonada Jr.

Later in the evening, a cash aid distribution under the Start-up, Incentives, Business Opportunity and Livelihood (SIBOL) Program will be undertaken for small Filipino entrepreneurs.

The first day culminates with Speaker Romualdez’s introduction of the Guest of Honor of the Event, President Marcos Jr., who will deliver his keynote message to all participants of the Agency Summit.

“This summit is both a celebration of our achievements and a call to action. We have accomplished much, but our work is far from over. The challenges we face as a nation – poverty, inequality, and the need for sustainable development – are formidable,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“Yet, I am confident that with the spirit of collaboration that has brought us this far, we will continue to break new ground, innovate and deliver on our promise of a better life for every Filipino,” he continued.

“As we move forward, let us remember the four pillars that have guided us: Mabilis, Maayos, Maginhawa, Masaya. These are not just words, but a philosophy of governance that ensures every Filipino experiences the swift, orderly, comfortable and joyful life they deserve,” he said. (END)