Davao city: The national government distributed millions of pesos worth of assistance to communities across the Davao Region during the 'Handog ng Pangulo' program held Monday. The initiative brought together various agencies to deliver direct support to farmers, fisherfolk, workers, students, and vulnerable families in the region's provinces.

According to Philippines News Agency, in Davao Oriental alone, the Department of Agriculture (DA) released more than PHP400 million in agriculture and fishery development initiatives. Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who personally attended the event, said he represented President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to extend the Chief Executive's greetings and gratitude to the people. "In celebration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s birthday, we brought government services closer to our fellow countrymen and to various other cities and provinces," Laurel said.

Across the Davao Region, DA reported distributing over PHP424.95 million in assistance. The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao (DSWD-11) disbursed more than PHP50 million under programs such as the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), Emergency Cash Transfer, Sustainable Livelihood Program, Peace and Development - Buong Bansa Mapayapa, and the Supplementary Feeding Program.

The Department of Labor and Employment-Davao conducted a job fair, offering thousands of local and overseas vacancies. It likewise released payouts under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and awarded livelihood grants.

Meanwhile, thousands of Sta. Cruz residents availed themselves of services at the New Municipal Gymnasium. Residents welcomed the activity, noting they no longer needed to travel to Digos City to access national and local government services. One of the main draws was the registration for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.'s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), which allowed residents to sign up easily and free of charge for primary healthcare services.

DSWD-11 turned over a PHP1.5-million check for farmers' livelihood assistance, while more than 250 porters and tour guides affected by the temporary closure of Mt. Apo received PHP6,000 each in TUPAD cash aid. All trails and campsites inside the Mount Apo Natural Park were closed for the annual rehabilitation from June to August.

The Handog ng Pangulo highlights a whole-of-government approach, with national agencies and local government units working together to ensure assistance and services reach intended beneficiaries.