Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and former President and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo are all smiles in appreciation of the huge turnout of people in the launching of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s premier service program, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte Friday morning. The former president was among the 167 members of the House of Representatives who attended the BPSF launch in Tagum City in a show of solidarity and support for the service caravan.
FORMER president and now Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo attended the largest ever Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) of the Marcos administration, held in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, on Friday.
The event benefited 250,000 residents with over P913-million worth of government services, cash, education, and livelihood assistance.
Interviewed by reporters at the event, Arroyo expressed her appreciation to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. and Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez for the opportunity to take part in the initiative.
“Congratulations to the people of Davao del Norte and Tagum City, and many thanks to President Marcos and Speaker Romualdez,” she said, acknowledging the efforts and contributions that made the event a success.
When asked about her potential participation in future BPSF events, she responded positively, saying, “As I’m invited, yes.”
Arroyo’s presence and willingness to attend future events underscore her continued commitment to public service and support for initiatives that benefit the Filipino people.
The event saw a record attendance from the House of Representatives, with 167 members—more than half of the entire chamber, including former President Arroyo—participating in the two-day BPSF.
This substantial turnout indicated that if the House of Representatives had held sessions in Davao del Norte on Friday, it would have had a quorum.
The event took place practically inside the bailiwick of the previous administration, which has been critical of the current chamber’s leadership.
Speaker Romualdez, who led the historic House delegation, expressed his joy and satisfaction over the success of the BPSF in Tagum City, highlighting the growth and impact of the initiative.
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House noted the extensive participation of government branches, the large number of beneficiaries served, and the far-reaching effects of the fair.
“Napakasaya po. ‘Yung BPSF lumalakas, lalong lumalago at lahat ng mga sangay ng ating gobyerno ay narito, over 66 departments and agencies, at pinakamaraming benepisyaryo ngayon,” Speaker Romualdez said in an ambush interview.
The House chief also expressed gratitude to President Marcos for his vision and efforts in bringing the government closer to the people.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ating mahal na Presidente. Ito po ang bisyon nya na ilapit ang ating gobyerno sa taumbayan, at ito na po ang nangyayari,” he said.
The BPSF in Davao del Norte saw a record attendance from various government departments and agencies, providing a wide range of services and assistance to thousands of residents in the region.
In his speech during the event, Speaker Romualdez expressed his pleasure with the eagerness and willingness of House members to witness first-hand how the BPSF is bridging people to important government services and assistance programs.
“Tunay na tayo’y nagagalak at napakaraming kongresista ang nakarating sa programa ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. at personal na masaksihan kung paano nakakatulong sa mga mamamayan ang bawat ayudang inilalaan natin sa ating national budget,” Speaker Romualdez said, acknowledging the presence of former President Arroyo at the event.
“Dahil sa ating nasasaksihan sa BPSF, makakaasa ang mga kababayan natin na sisiguruhin pa rin ng Kongreso ang pagpapatuloy ng mga programang ito sa administrasyong Marcos. At patuloy pa din ang ating paghahanap ng mga paraan para lalong makatulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Speaker Romualdez added.
