ILOILO City – After the pilot Atipan Fair drew nearly 800 residents in just one day, Mayor Raisa Treñas is moving to establish an Atipan Center in each of the city’s six districts to bring government services directly to barangays.
The fair, held simultaneously at the plazas of Arevalo, Molo, and Jaro during the 88th Charter Day celebration on Aug. 25, offered a wide range of free services including health and dental consultations, financial and burial assistance, livelihood and educational aid, and even grooming services.
Records show 116 availed themselves of services from the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office / Office of Senior Citizens Affairs; 134 sought civil registry assistance; 63 sought medical checkups; 33 sought livelihood and educational aid; 34 sought financial help; 17 sought social services; six sought burial assistance; 45 filed training applications with the Technical Institute of Iloilo City; 202 availed themselves of free haircuts; 69 sought massages; and 26 sought manicures.
Mayor Treñas said the overwhelming turnout highlighted the urgency of decentralizing government assistance.
“I have seen how many of our kasimanwa are in need of social services. Instead of making them travel to city hall, we must bring these services to them right where they live,” she stressed. “This is what inclusive governance is all about—making government more accessible and responsive.”
Currently, the lone Atipan Center is located on the seventh floor of Iloilo City Hall.
Treñas revealed her administration is already exploring satellite centers across all districts. She also wants the initiative institutionalized through legislation.
“We are studying the passage of an ordinance to make Atipan Centers permanent and sustainable. This way, no matter who sits in city hall, our people can continue to receive these services,” she explained./PN
