SOME P5 million worth of equipment and financial assistance were given to various groups as part of the Provincial Government’s Service Caravan, which was held in the Balamban Provincial Hospital yesterday.
Farm machinery worth P427,000, including a rice reaper and harvester, water pump, and blue plastic drums, were distributed to farmers’ associations in Toledo City, Asturias, Balamban, Tuburan and Pinamungajan.
Agri-Fishery Insurance Indemnity worth P723, 619 were also given to farmers’ associations in Asturias, Balamban, Pinamungajan and Toledo City.
The amount was shared between the Province and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC), said Provincial Agriculturist Roldan Saragena.
The Province also provided free deworming, antibiotics, vitamins and consultation to owners of livestock and pets.
It provided an electric dryer for coco sugar production and vertical sealer worth P280,000 to the Farmer Growers Association of Barangay Landahan in Toledo City.
In terms of social services, the Province provided at least P4.5 million worth of emergency shelters to the western towns for use during times of calamity, including a 40-footer van and eight 20-footer vans.
The Province also gave Marcelo Eliodora of Toledo City P50,000 after he turned 100 this year.
In terms of health services, the Province provided free medical, dental and surgical services.
Jennifer Estan, head nurse of the hospital’s out-patient department, told reporters that they initially screened 217 prospective patients who wanted to avail themselves of free surgical services.
Estan said they will perform free surgeries until Saturday.