By: Delaila Irma T. Calindas, Project Technical Staff II

With the aim of bringing essential government services closer to remote communities, the Commission on Higher Education – Cordillera Administrative Region (CHED-CAR) heeded the invitation and actively participated in the Serbisyo Caravan organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at Barangay Bol-lilising, Villaviciosa, Abra, on April 21, 2026. The activity, in cooperation with the Municipal Government of Villaviciosa, led by its Mayor Hon. Marjorie L. Lagen, forms part of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) of DILG, which seeks to deliver responsive development initiatives to priority barangays. A total of 200 residents availed themselves of the services offered during the caravan.

In his welcome remarks, Barangay Captain Hon. Tony Corrales expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for bringing the caravan to their community. He noted that such opportunities are rare for their barangay and pledged his commitment to collaborate with government agencies to ensure that the programs benefit not only the present generation but also those to come.

DILG-Abra Provincial Director Kristoffer Dave R. Alvarez led the DILG delegation and relayed his message to the community. He underscored the importance of community support in sustaining government programs, noting that while the government strives to provide sustainable initiatives, their long-term success depends on the active participation and cooperation of the people.

CHED-CAR highlighted its frontline services, with special focus on student financial assistance programs available for tertiary education. Representatives included Ms. Mia Charisma Langpaoen, Accountant II; Ms. Jezeny O. Laoyan, Lead Regional Coordinator of the UniFAST Unit; and Mr. Jay Van P. Basilio, Project Technical Staff under the StuFAPs Unit. They presented programs under the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA) and introduced various merit-based scholarships, including the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program, the flagship scholarship initiative under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Beyond education, the caravan extended a comprehensive range of services that addressed the community’s diverse needs—from health care to livelihood support. Participating agencies included the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Red Cross, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Philippine National Police (PNP). Complementing these were tertiary institutions such as the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology and the University of Northern Philippines, which also took part in the initiative ensuring that residents received holistic assistance tailored to their needs.

Barangay Bol-lilising, the smallest and one of the most remote barangays in Villaviciosa, served as the focal point of this caravan. Aside from delivering services, the event also provided a platform for the crafting of the Barangay Bol-lilising Development Plan, facilitated by DILG with active inputs from barangay officials and residents.

Through this initiative, the Serbisyo Caravan not only brought government services directly to the people but also empowered the community to take part in shaping its own development. For Barangay Bol-lilising, this event marked a significant step toward inclusive growth and stronger partnerships between government and citizens.