CATARMAN, Philippines — In a testament to excellent governance, Governor Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar was honored with national recognition from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his leadership in the province’s Kauswagan Caravan initiative, a groundbreaking program bridging public and private sectors for community development.
Governor Ongchuan, on December 16, 2024, received the 2nd runner-up award in the inaugural Parangal: Gawad ng Kahusayan sa Komunikasyon Pampubliko in the province-level category. The award ceremony, held at the PICC in Manila, recognized the initiative’s outstanding contribution to public service. Accompanying him in receiving the award were Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Jenny Darish and the Kauswagan Caravan coordinator, who have been central to the initiative’s success.
The Kauswagan Caravan, a program launched by Governor Ongchuan in 2019 at the start of his tenure, has since become a vital platform for collaboration between the private sector and various government agencies. Through this initiative, both sectors have united to address the pressing needs of underserved communities, creating long-term, impactful outcomes.
Since its inception, the Kauswagan Caravan has held 34 events, reaching over 50,000 families in 197 barangays across Northern Samar. The program addresses key issues in healthcare, education, livelihood, and social welfare, bridging service gaps and ensuring greater inclusivity for local residents. Its approach has made government services and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs more accessible, relevant, and responsive to the needs of the community.
As a one-stop service hub, the Kauswagan Caravan brings together private and public sector representatives, providing a wide array of services all in one place. These include:
- Livelihood and Economic Support: Offering skills training workshops, micro-financing opportunities, and business consultations aimed at enhancing local economic capabilities.
- Educational Assistance: Distributing school supplies and educational materials to support the learning needs of children and youth.
- Healthcare Services: Providing free medical consultations, dental check-ups, vaccinations, and health education.
- Information Drives: Raising awareness on issues such as disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, and public health.
Additionally, the Caravan has coordinated social welfare programs that deliver essential aid such as emergency relief, basic supplies, and feeding programs.
The program has evolved into a thriving collaborative effort, now with 113 partners, including 45 private sector organizations and 10 non-governmental organizations.
Governor Ongchuan expressed his deep gratitude, dedicating the award to the Kauswagan Caravan’s partners and stakeholders, whose unwavering commitment continues to drive the success of this transformative initiative. Through their collective efforts, the Caravan has brought hope to many and continues to inspire a spirit of volunteerism and community solidarity, envisioning a brighter future for Northern Samar. | via Samar Chronicle with additional reporting from PLGU Northern Samar
