TACLOBAN CITY — Local officials from the province of Leyte thanked Speaker Martin Romualdez for the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) during the opening program on Friday at the Leyte Sports Development Center, Tacloban City, where over 25 agencies ceremonially handed over 30 programs.

Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla advised the recipients to use the money properly because it is the product of the Senate and House of Representatives legislation and work, as well as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s initiative.

"This is a homecourt activity for our House Speaker, who is helping firsthand the people of Leyte," Petilla said.

"Take good care of the money, as this is the product of the hard work and legislation of our lawmakers and the initiative of our President," he added.

The 21st edition of the BPSF on August 2 and 3 was the country's first region-wide execution of the largest and grandest service caravan.

Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan, Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone, Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado and Biliran Gov. Roger Espina also had Mini-Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fairs simultaneously.

Over 241 district and party-list representatives from various regions attended the BPSF in Tacloban City as 56 participating national government agencies provided over 328 services to over 253,000 beneficiaries.

A total of P1.2 billion in programs and services would be provided to the region, with P807 million in cash assistance.

"After Typhoon 'Yolanda' devastated Tacloban City, the House of Representatives has always been there for the entire Eastern Visayas, and this is truly a service to the people," Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez said.

"And I'd want to thank President Marcos Jr. for always being here for the province," he added.