Residents of the Upsilon Sigma Phi opened Lingkod Bayan: A Community Service Caravan on November 19 at the UP Town Center amphitheater. The three-day event brought several government agencies into a public space where students, workers, and nearby residents could access services without having to travel to distant offices. Organizers said they wanted to address the common difficulty of updating records or seeking assistance during office hours, when long queues and travel time often prevent people from completing routine transactions.

Project head Roberto “Robby” Cantero 2024 said the residents planned the caravan as a practical initiative for Fraternity Month. “To bring service and, ultimately, justice, to the people who need it the most,” he said, noting that many people on campus and in nearby communities struggle to visit government offices because of class schedules, work shifts, or transportation costs.

DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez welcomed the idea of bringing agencies closer to the public. “These services need to have the opportunity to reach out to the people they are meant to serve,” she said. She added that she hoped projects like this continue because they show “that the government can be trusted to support its people.”

Congressman Franz Legazpi 2018 also shared his support for the project, citing its value in helping the public reach essential services.

USPAA President and LRA Administrator Gerry Sirios ’89 addressed the group and stressed the importance of service-oriented work. “Continue gathering the light and scattering it,” he said.

The opening program ended with certificates of appreciation for the participating agencies. After the short ceremony, the booths immediately began accommodating visitors. Over the next three days, people used the caravan to update records, request assistance, and process various documents. Many said the setup allowed them to finish tasks that typically require multiple trips or longer absences from school or work.