An overwhelming number of Carmenanons filled the Carmen Sports Complex on Thursday as the HEAT IT Bohol caravan marked its 19th stop. Gov. Edgar Chatto and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Concepcion Lim led a total of 108 national government agencies, provincial government offices, 37 of which were private sector organizations, who came together in the biggest service delivery convergence. Chatto urged Carmenanons who came in droves to the caravan grounds to take advantage of services offered by the various agencies. The governor said the caravan, which ultimate goal is to bring government to the people articulates President Noynoy Aquino's “Walang Iwanan” vow. Carmen Mayor Ricardo Francisco Toribio expressed gratitude to the Provincial Government, in behalf of Vice Mayor Pedro Budiongan and Sangguniang Bayan members and the people of Carmen for bringing the development initiative to their town.

Provincial and Municipal leaders, joined by First Lady Pureza Veloso-Chatto and 3rd District Cong. Art Yap headed the launch of various programs and ceremonial distribution and turnover of assistance to different people's organizations. Highlighted during the caravan was the Ewican Family of Brgy. Alegria, Carmen cited Provincial and Regional Grand Winner of the 2014 Search for the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Turned over during the program were financial assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the Montesuerte Farmers Association, Bag-ao Himatao Irrigators Association, La Salvacion Farmers Association and La Salvacion Women's Association. Also handed over was a hand tractor for the Carmen Pineapple Growers Association, tilapia fries, hybrid coconut seedlings, assistive devices for the physically-challenged, basketball paraphernalia, books, and land titles, among others. Launched during the program were the Purok Power Movement and the Kiddie and Junior Fire Marshall Program. Medical, dental, circumcision, and medicine dispensing drew the largest crowd among the variety of services offered during the caravan. The caravan has grown exponentially since its launch in the island municipality of Carlos P. Garcia in 2010. (Leah Sumampong)