Manila: The House of Representatives has unveiled the Suporta sa Bayan Desk (SBD), a centralized public assistance initiative led by Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III. This program aims to bring government aid closer to Filipinos, ensuring a faster and more organized delivery of support.
According to Philippines News Agency, the SBD is a key component of Alagang Kongreso, a three-pronged institutional program launched by the House on March 17. This program also includes Dakilang Yugto, which offers ongoing support for retired personnel, and the HRep Executive Check-Up Program, which enhances healthcare access for House officials and employees.
House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos of Ilocos Norte highlighted that the SBD is the public-facing arm of Alagang Kongreso. It streamlines the process of receiving, processing, and coordinating assistance requests with partner government agencies. Marcos acknowledged Speaker Dy's efforts in developing a system that directly addresses the needs of ordinary Filipinos seeking government assistance.
"This is about making sure that when our people ask for help, the system is ready to respond quickly, clearly, and with dignity," Marcos stated in a news release.
The SBD, situated at the North Gate Screening Facility, functions as the House's Public Support Program. It serves as a central access point for requests made through lawmakers and partner offices, coordinating closely with relevant government agencies for delivery. The SBD covers medical, funeral, transportation, and cash relief assistance, creating a more accessible and structured pathway for Filipinos in need of immediate support.
Marcos emphasized that the initiative addresses long-standing gaps in the delivery of assistance. "The Suporta sa Bayan Desk transforms public assistance from a fragmented process into a coordinated system. It ensures that every request is tracked, every case is acted upon, and every Filipino is treated with respect," he added.
Anchored on the principles of malasakit (empathy), transparency, and public service, the SBD institutionalizes a single, reliable platform that strengthens accountability and responsiveness in government aid. Marcos noted that the program reflects a broader effort under Dy to make public service more tangible and people-centered.
"This initiative shows that the House is not only focused on legislation, but also on delivering real, tangible support to the people," Marcos said. "Under Speaker Dy's leadership, we are building an institution where public service is not abstract. It is felt, it is accessible, and it works."
Speaker Dy emphasized that the initiative is part of the chamber's efforts to make government support more responsive and accessible, particularly for those who turn to Congress as a last resort. "This is about making sure that every Filipino who seeks help from the House of Representatives is properly taken care of. That is precisely why it is called the House of the People, where service should be felt by our kababayan (countrymen)," the Speaker from Isabela stated.
In an interview, House Deputy Secretary General Edgardo Pangilinan explained that while agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) provide the actual assistance, the SBD ensures requests are properly processed before endorsement. "Kami nagche-check ng requirements para pagdating doon kumpleto na. May coordination kami sa kanila para alam nila na 'pag galing dito maayos na 'yung mga dokumento (We coordinate with the DSWD and the DOH. We check the requirements to ensure that documents are complete when we send them there)," he said.
To ensure proper assessment of needs, Pangilinan mentioned that the House hired social workers to evaluate applicants. The desk operates on a first-come, first-served basis, accommodating around 70 individuals daily from 8 a.m. until the last person in line is served, usually by late afternoon. Despite austerity measures limiting House personnel to a two-day onsite work arrangement, Pangilinan assured that the SBD continues to operate from Monday to Thursday.
He added that the House is working to expand services, including free legal assistance through a partnership being finalized with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Quezon City.
