MANILA: The Department of Health (DOH) continues to fully support President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s initiative of bringing the government closer to the people as it participated anew in the 14th leg of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) at the Caraga State University in Butuan City last March 22-23. In a statement on Tuesday, the DOH reported that it provided medical, family planning, nutrition, vaccination, health education, and minor surgeries, among other services, to beneficiaries of the two-day Serbisyo caravan. The Department also distributed 40 assistive devices, including wheelchairs, canes, walking aids, and blind sticks, totaling PHP121,200, benefiting recipients from Butuan City and the municipalities of Agusan del Norte. 'The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair exemplifies a commendable initiative aimed at fostering a healthier society that addresses the needs of its constituents,' the DOH said. 'This endeavor champions equitable access to healthcare for all Filipinos, particularly those i n underserved areas dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga (because in the New Philippines, every life is important),' it added. The BPSF serves as a venue for all the participating national government agencies to display and showcase their multiple services. The BPSF in Caraga benefitted some 80,000 residents in the region, especially in Butuan City and Agusan del Norte. Undersecretary Maria Francia Miciano-Laxamana and Caraga Center for Health Development (CHD) Regional Director Cesar Cassion represented the DOH in the event. Also present were House Speaker Martin Romualdez, First District Representative Jose Aquino II, Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, and Vice Mayor Lawrence Fortun. Source: Philippines News Agency