“Capitol Express” delivers vital services to Ilokano communities

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), led by Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and in partnership with national government agencies, relaunched the “Capitol Express” (CapEX), bringing again essential services and assistance closer to communities.

Offering an array of services and commodities, the Provincial Government handed out social welfare services and agricultural inputs to beneficiaries and associations from various barangays in the municipalities of Dingras, Badoc, San Nicolas, and in the City of Batac, from March 25 to March 27, 2025. 

“Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc intends to bring services closer to people by conducting the Capitol Express of the provincial government. So, instead of people coming to the Capitol, we have reached out to make it more convenient for them, especially farmers and senior citizens,” explained Engr. Teresa Bacnat, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office. 

Beneficiaries of CapEx received farm equipment, seedlings, food packs, medical kits, medicines, monoblock chairs, reading glasses, and canes. Meanwhile, cakes were also distributed to elders celebrating their birthdays in the month of March.

“It is very helpful, especially for us farmers, as there are irrigation machines, sprayers to kill weeds and insects, and fertilizers for the plants,” commented Mayvelyn Butay, a 56-year-old beneficiary from Brgy. 21 San Nicolas, as she conveyed how the commodities can support their agricultural activities.

Aside from the agricultural services and commodities offered in CapEx, many also availed the medical services and the distribution of medical kits, medicines, reading glasses, and canes.

Nelda Flores, a 59-year-old beneficiary of Brgy. 23 San Nicolas also commented on how the medical services aided her current health condition. “I was given a reading glass, which was a big help for my reading, and I also received vitamins and medicine for my current maintenance.”

Capitol Express, also known as “Capitol-on-wheels,” is an annual initiative of the PGIN, which aims to bring the services of the Provincial Government closer to the people.