‘Kapag may pagsubok bumabangon. Kapag may problema nagtutulungan’: Usec. Panontongan urges iKalingas to make full use of government aid and services

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — “Mahirap man na hamon ang ating kinakaharap…Kapag may pagsubok, bumabangon. Kapag may problema, nagtutulungan.”

This was the heart of the message of Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Fatima Lipp D. Panontongan as she called on Kalinga residents to make full use of government assistance and services brought closer to them through Handog ng Pangulo 2026: “Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat.”

Representing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Panontongan said the nationwide initiative reflects the government’s effort to bring essential services directly to communities and make assistance more accessible to those who need it.

The said activity was held on September 14 at the Kalinga Sports Center in Capitol Hills, Bulanao, Tabuk City, bringing together national and local government agencies offering services in health, employment, livelihood and other areas.

For Panontongan, the activity is more than a government service caravan. It demonstrates what Filipinos can accomplish when they come together, particularly during difficult times.

“Mahirap man na hamon ang ating kinakaharap, tayo pong mga Pilipino ay handang magsama-sama at umahon. Kapag may pagsubok bumabangon. Kapag may problema nagtutulungan,” she said.

Bringing services closer

Panontongan said Handog ng Pangulo is being conducted in cities and provinces across the country as part of activities marking President Marcos’ birthday.

“Kaya sa pagdiriwang ng kaarawan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, inilalapit natin ang serbisyo ng pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan, sa iba't ibang siyudad at lalawigan,” she said.

Through the initiative, government agencies come together to provide services in one venue, reducing the need for residents to travel to different offices to seek assistance.

“Isinasagawa natin ang nationwide Handog ng Pangulo kung saan ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan ng bansa at local ay maghahatid mismo sa inyo ng kanilang mga serbisyo,” Panontongan said.

She encouraged Kalinga residents to take advantage of the services available and explore assistance that could benefit their families and livelihoods.

“Hinihikayat ko po ang lahat ng mga kababayan na samantalahin ang mga serbisyong narito ngayon. Alamin ang mga tulong na maaaring mapakinabangan at gamitin ang oportunidad na ito upang makatulong sa inyong mga kapamilya, hanapbuhay at para sa ating kinabukasan,” she said.

The greatest gift: service

Panontongan said the initiative ultimately reflects the government’s commitment to serving the Filipino people.

“Sapagkat para po sa ating Pangulo, ang pinakamahalagang handog sa araw na ito ay ang pagkakataong makapaglingkod sa sambayanang Pilipino,” she said.

Her message highlighted the central purpose of Handog ng Pangulo: to bring government closer to the people while turning public service into a shared effort to help communities rise from challenges.

For Kalinga residents, the event provided not only access to government assistance but also an opportunity to connect directly with agencies that can provide support for their health, livelihood, employment, families and future.