ILOILO City – Under the leadership of Mayor Jerry Treñas, the city government sustains mobilizing enhanced healthcare services to benefit more physically-challenged Ilonggos.
One of its key initiatives is the Uswag Physical Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Taal, Molo district which offers free rehabilitation services with complete facilities and expert care, making physical therapy accessible to those in need.
Originally named Stroke Rehabilitation Center, it has expanded its coverage by providing quality patient care to stroke survivors, pediatric and adult patients afflicted with conditions neurologic, orthopedic, congenital, degenerative, and neuromuscular affecting activities of daily living, function ad mobility.
Opened in October 2024, it provides initial patient assessments, specialized treatments using adaptive equipment, and compassionate administrative and support services.
A testament to its effectiveness, five have successfully completed their rehabilitation programs out of 28 patients served in its seven months of operation.
Known for his forward-thinking approach to governance, Mayor Treñas has emphasized the importance of readily-available healthcare for recipients.
“Healthcare should not be a privilege but a right. With this rehabilitation center, we are taking a step toward a stronger, healthier Iloilo,” he said.
Following its successful run, the city mayor is laying the groundwork for further expansion, with plans to establish two additional rehabilitation centers in Molo and Jaro districts.
“We see the need to build more physical rehabilitation facilities. As I am about to end my term as city mayor, I am entrusting this initiative to the next administration,” Mayor Treñas stated, emphasizing the continuity of Iloilo’s healthcare advancements.
As these expansion efforts move forward, Iloilo City continues to set a benchmark for proactive and agile leadership, proving that prioritizing healthcare transforms communities.
Finding Hope Through Uswag Rehab Center
For those suffering from chronic pain and mobility issues, the journey to recovery is often filled with challenges — not just physical, but financial as well.
Rosalinda J. Lacupa, a 63-year-old resident, knows this struggle firsthand.
For nearly three years, Mrs. Lacupa endured persistent knee, back, and hand pain, making everyday activities difficult, due to osteoarthritis.
With prescribed pain relievers and traditional home remedies at hand, she hoped for relief but experienced persistent pains, affecting her quality of life. She was advised by her orthopedic doctor to undergo rehabilitation therapy.
However, upon inquiring about the cost, she was shocked by the high price of private rehabilitation services — to shoulder thousands of pesos per session, multiple times a week. Financial constraints made her feel that recovery was out of reach.
But Mrs. Lacupa found hope when she eventually learned about Iloilo City’s Uswag Physical Rehabilitation Center.
She sought guidance from the center through its licensed physical therapist (PT) Karen Joy J. Ogacion Libardo, who explained the process of availing the free program.
With a recommendation from her orthopedic doctor for physical therapy management, she was able to start her rehabilitation journey.
A Journey to Recovery
Prior to her therapy, Mrs. Lacupa struggled with pain and stiffness that made simple activities like walking, standing for long periods, dressing, and washing difficult.
Through personalized exercise programs developed by the center as well as nutritional guidance from the center’s specialist, Mrs. Lacupa eventually felt improvement in her mobility.
PT Libardo explained that before starting rehabilitation, they ensure that each patient undergoes nutrition counseling to further support their recovery. This is an essential part of their holistic approach to patient care. The center has its in-house nutritionist.
Mrs. Lacupa said the compassionate and accommodating approach of the rehabilitation team made her experience even more meaningful.
“I am so grateful for the progress I’ve made, for my very fast recovery from acute osteoarthritis and the support and free rehabilitation I received from Uswag. I can now climb the stairs, and walk freely. I pray the pain will never return. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much Mayor Jerry P. Treñas for this Uswag free rehab,” she expressed in the vernacular.
She likewise thanked the City Health Office (CHO) and the whole rehab team.
As Iloilo City prioritizes healthcare initiatives, success stories like Mrs. Lacupa’s highlight the life-changing difference that inclusive medical services can make.
Her heartfelt prayer is that her pain never returns, and that more people in need can benefit from the compassionate and skilled care provided by Uswag Physical Rehabilitation Center.
More Stories of Hope
Another patient, 59-year old stroke survivor Rolo Zafra, has been undergoing therapy at Uswag Physical Rehabilitation Center for seven months already.
He expresses deep gratitude for the free rehabilitation services, which have lifted a financial burden off his shoulders.
“Salamat kay Mayor Jerry Treñas, Iloilo City Government, kag City Health Office kay may project sila nga kaangay sini, libre rehab. Dako ang nabulig sa pumuluyo sang Iloilo City kapin pa sa mga kubos nga indi makabayad sa private nga rehab,” Zafra said, thanking the city government for the big help to those who can’t afford.
Beyond the good facility, Zafra appreciates the kind and dedicated rehab center’s personnel.
He hopes for additional centers to be built in the city so that more beneficiaries in need can receive the same life-changing care.
Similarly, 71-year-old road accident victim Doroteo Figura, from Sta. Cruz, Arevalo district, sought rehabilitation at the center after suffering a spinal cord injury.
Now in his fifth month of therapy, he is grateful for his progress and recovery.
“This center has been a great help for us,” Figura shared, acknowledging the vital role the facility plays in supporting those in need.
The 60-year-old stroke survivor Joel Libo from Monica Dela Rama, City Proper district, has shown significant improvement in his left leg and shoulder.
“I sincerely thank Mayor Treñas for this project and the staff at the rehab center. This initiative has been a huge help for me. If not for this free rehabilitation program, we would have faced costly expenses in a private facility,” said Libo.
Indeed, when proper healthcare is placed at the forefront, it will be within reach for Ilonggo patients to regain the freedom to live their lives without limitations./PN
