KIAMBA, Sarangani (September 5, 2022) – As part of Governor Rogelio "Ruel" D. Pacquiao’s commitment to bring government services closer to the people, a consultative meeting, attended by 48 barangay captains of the Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum (MaKiMa) area, was conducted along with the launching of the Ronda Probinsya program.

To symbolize the support of the officials, a signing of the pledge of commitment for all the endeavors and projects of the Pacquiao administration was conducted. Matters including health, finance, social services, and the realization of different government programs were discussed.

Governor Pacquiao presented his Ronda Probinsya flagship program as an inclusive and people-centered program which aims to support the improvement of governance structures of the barangays, promote peace-building, preserve and promote the cultural integrity of Indigenous Peoples and Moro communities, improve the quality of lives of Sarangans and those belonging to the vulnerable sectors, and provide improved educational opportunities for the youth.

"Dili nako kaya nga mabuhat ning tanan nga ako ra, maong gahangyo ko sa inyo aron kita magtinabangay para mahatag ang saktong serbisyo sa matag katawhan sa atong probinsya," said Pacquiao.

Present during the meeting were Dr. Gabriel Fernandez, representing Provincial Health Officer Dr. Arvin Alejandro; Amelia Catolico of the Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO), Fernando Tolete of the Internal Audit Unit, Provincial Accountant Armando Cunanan, Provincial Barangay Affairs head Paul Allen Villamora, and some Ronda Probinysa staff.

Dr. Fernandez talked about PhilHealth enrollment, Tutok Buntis program, free medicine for senior citizens, and the process by which Sarangans can access assistance and services from the local hospitals.

Financial matters pertaining to unliquidated transactions of barangays that hinder them from accessing financial assistance from the province and technical support that will help each barangay speed up their liquidations was discussed by Tolete.

Cunanan reminded and tackled the Commission on Audit regulations and their importance to avoid disallowance and to have access to government funds and support.

The PTO, through Catolico, discussed matters pertaining to tax revenue and its benefits. She detailed the regulations and fees on sand and gravel and explained the sharing of revenues in every tax collected.

During the meeting, an open forum was conducted where some barangay captains shared with Gov. Pacquiao their needs and concerns, particularly on the allocated budget for each barangay, road projects, social welfare services, and access to free education.

Gov. Pacquiao assured the barangay leaders that all their concerns would be addressed. He pledged to give additional cash assistance to every barangay in the province.

The governor also led the ceremonial turnover of cash assistance to the barangays, which fund was from the Provincial Government of Sarangani.

Vice Governor Elmer De Peralta, Mayors Zyrex Pacquiao of Maasim and George Falgui of Kiamba, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos and Provincial Legal Officer Atty. Jenric Garcia showed their support during the activity. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)

 Jake T. Narte