ILOILO City – In a push to bring self-care and essential public services closer to underserved barangays, Mayor Raisa Treñas has formally launched the USGWAPS (Uplifting Self Grooming, Wellness, And Public Service) program — an innovative initiative designed to boost wellness, confidence, and dignity among Ilonggos.
The program was officially unveiled on August 4 at Barangay Veterans Village in the City Proper and offers free grooming and wellness services such as haircuts, manicure and pedicure, massages, and basic health checkups.
USGWAPS also integrates public service components, including legal consultations, scholarship opportunities, and family planning support.
“Simple lang siya nga serbisyo, pero para sa iban nga Ilonggo, indi ni basta-basta,” said Mayor Treñas. “This program is also about boosting self-worth, which directly impacts our mental health.”
Operated under the Office of the Mayor, the initiative primarily targets residents who often neglect personal care due to financial constraints. Its early success is evident — even before the citywide rollout, the program had already served 2,542 beneficiaries across 23 barangays as of July 2025.
More than grooming, USGWAPS provides:
* Free legal advice via the Kamalayan Legal Clinic & Forum, in partnership with Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna;
* Scholarship opportunities from the University of Iloilo Phinma;
* Basic health checkups by the City Health Office;
* Family planning services from the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter.
Mayor Treñas extended her gratitude to partner organizations including the LGBTQ+ Affairs Office, the Blue Angels Association, and various volunteers:
“Salamat gid sa inyo pagpanikasog. Padayon kita sa paghatag sang serbisyo nga may empatiya, malasakit, kag kabug-usan,” she said.
To ensure accessibility, barangays are notified at least three days prior to the event. Services follow a first-come, first-served policy with session limits: 100 for haircuts, 30 for massages, and 20 for manicure and pedicure.
“Ini nga programa isa lang sa mga paagi naton nga makabulig sang simple pero impactful nga serbisyo,” Treñas emphasized. “Indi gid namon malab-ot ini nga kadam-an kon wala ang suporta sang komunidad kag sang aton mga partners.”/PN
