BACOLOD City — Reinforcing its commitment to grassroots governance, the Sagay City Government in Negros Occidental has launched this year’s “Oplan Paglilingkod,” a community-based service caravan aimed at bringing essential public services directly to barangays.
Now in its 30th year, the initiative highlights the city’s long-standing “people-first” approach, with Mayor Leo Rafael M. Cueva urging government departments to further strengthen and improve service delivery at the community level.
The program officially kicked off on April 7 with a send-off ceremony at City Hall, followed by its first rollout in Barangay Colonia Divina. The activity marked the start of a five-week caravan that will cover all barangays in the city.
Cueva emphasized that “Oplan Paglilingkod” is more than just an annual activity—it is a direct expression of the local government’s commitment to reach constituents and address their needs where they are.
He also called on participating personnel to ensure that services are delivered efficiently and with genuine care, stressing that the limited time spent in each barangay should be maximized to benefit as many residents as possible.
Vice Mayor Narciso Javelosa Jr. noted that the program has been sustained since the 1990s, evolving into one of Sagay City’s flagship initiatives.
He added that its continued implementation reflects the city’s dedication to accessible and inclusive governance.
Local officials, including members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, joined the kickoff activities, demonstrating unified support for the program.
Officials of Barangay Colonia Divina also welcomed the initiative, highlighting its impact in making government services more accessible, particularly for residents who have difficulty traveling to the city proper.
During the caravan, residents availed themselves of a wide range of services, including medical consultations, free medicines, dental care, circumcision, veterinary assistance, solo parent registration, PhilHealth enrollment, distribution of agricultural inputs, milk feeding programs, and civil registry services.
As “Oplan Paglilingkod” continues its rounds across Sagay City, the initiative underscores the local government’s sustained effort to deliver responsive, inclusive, and community-centered public service—bringing governance closer to the people it serves./PN
