Press Release

April 27, 2012

Thousands Malitaos benefit in ARENA XIs Serbisyo Caravan MALITA, DAVAO DEL SUR - The Association of Regional Executives of National Agencies (ARENA) Region XI, in partnership with the 10th Infantry Division, conducted the 5th leg of its banner project Serbisyo Caravan to the residents of Malita, Davao del Sur on Friday, April 27, 2012. Over 2,000 Malitaos benefitted in the said convergence of programs and services provided by 44 national government agencies. Among the agencies that rendered its service is the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that brought an array of employment facilitation services. It will help jobseekers who will join Labor Day Job and Livelihood Fair on May 1 for an easier and faster means of finding jobs. The Department of Health (DOH) assisted rural health units in its distribution of medicines, information, education and communication materials. The Department of Education (DepEd) gave information and dissemination drive to the parents about its newly implemented K+12 program and distributed school supplies. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) also gave information and dissemination campaign and skills demonstration. The purpose of the ARENA XI is to bring the government services directly to the people, which complimented the Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) of the 10th Infantry Division. Through the Peace and Development Teams (PDTs), the government was able to identify the issues and concerns prevailing in the far-flung communities, thus, the appropriate and just service were brought to the people, ARENA XI President Director Achilles Gerard C. Bravo said. Malita Municipal Mayor Benjamin P Bautista Jr greatly appreciated the ARENA XI for bringing the government services to Malita. He added that the presence of the military not only provided security and but also facilitated the delivery of basic social services even in far-flung areas. The government has different programs for different social issues. Through the spirit of Bayanihan, Serbisyo Caravan converged and collaborated the programs of the government and other peace and development stakeholders in delivering the basic social services to the people", BGen Ariel B Bernardo, Commander, 10th Infantry Division, said during the press conference.

-30-

Released by:

CPT WILLIAM ALFRED T RODRIGUEZ 1002nd Brigade Public Affairs Office Contact #: 0921-5479224