The MindaNOW: Serbisyo para sa Mindanao caravan, scheduled for Sept. 5 and 6, will deliver PHP1.2 billion worth of aid and services to residents of Davao City, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) national secretariat announced on Wednesday.

In a press briefing, BPSF Deputy Secretary General Sofonias Gabonada Jr. said the caravan will benefit over 250,000 individuals through 57 programs provided by 38 partner agencies.

“The scale of this caravan is unprecedented, both in terms of the number of beneficiaries and the availability of funds,” he said. “Of the total support, PHP1 billion is allocated for cash assistance, while PHP200 million will be used for in-kind aid.”

Gabonada said around 190 members of the House of Representatives are expected to attend the opening ceremony on Thursday at the University of Southeastern Philippines.

Additionally, the caravan will distribute around 500,000 kilos of rice to various recipients across all event locations, in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).

“The importance of this event lies in the collaboration between BPSF and MinDA. While other BPSF caravans have been significant, this partnership emphasizes our commitment to serving the people of Mindanao,” Gabonada said.

Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said there has been considerable local demand for the BPSF to come to Davao City.

“I personally requested the BPSF to hold this event here in Davao City. We are honored to partner with the national secretariat of BPSF to meet the needs of our residents,” he said.

Magno said this is the third Serbisyo caravan in the Davao Region, following previous events in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, during the nationwide launch in September 2023, and in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, in June this year.

“Our President’s commitment is to ensure no Filipino is left behind. This partnership will continue beyond Davao City, extending further throughout Mindanao,” Magno added. (PNA)