Ombudsman Assistance Center Brings Services Closer
TACLOBAN CITY — To make anti-corruption and accountability services more accessible, especially for residents in remote areas, the Office of the Ombudsman has launched an Ombudsman Assistance Center (OAC) in Catarman, Northern Samar. This new center aims to simplify access to crucial services for local citizens.
Opened on July 1, the OAC is housed in the provincial capitol building. It assists walk-in clients with filing complaints against public officials, submitting Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), and obtaining Ombudsman clearances. These tasks used to require travel to Tacloban City or even Metro Manila, making the process difficult for many.
Expanding the Ombudsman Assistance Center Network
The Catarman OAC is the second facility of its kind in Eastern Visayas. Earlier this year, a similar center was inaugurated in Calbayog City, Samar, as part of the Ombudsman’s drive to decentralize services and encourage public participation in government oversight. Other OAC locations include Pasay City, Roxas City, Zamboanga City, Tuguegarao City, and Patikul, Sulu.
Local officials have warmly welcomed the center. Northern Samar Vice Governor Clarence Dato highlighted how the facility brings government services closer to the grassroots and strengthens transparency and accountability. He also praised Ombudsman Samuel Martires, a native of Northern Samar, who is set to retire after seven years of service.
Tribute to Ombudsman Samuel Martires
Dato described Martires as “our own Cinderella Man,” noting his dedication and connection to the community. “Such is the life of the man who is one with us — a true-blue Ibabaonon, an inspiration to many of us securing our spots under the sun,” he said in a local dialect. He added that Martires’ advocacy shines through in the establishment of this OAC, reflecting his deep commitment to public service.
Community Support and Governance
At the inauguration, Northern Samar Governor Edwin Harris Christopher Ongchuan and First District Representative Paul Daza expressed strong support for the initiative. They emphasized the center’s role in promoting good governance throughout the province and the Eastern Visayas region.
By decentralizing Ombudsman services through facilities like the Catarman OAC, the government is making significant strides in ensuring that citizens have easier access to mechanisms that uphold honesty and accountability.
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