ILOILO City — Iloilo City turned its 89th Charter Day into a massive public service drive Tuesday, bringing thousands of job opportunities and free healthcare directly to residents instead of limiting the cityhood anniversary to ceremonial activities.
More than 3,700 job seekers pre-registered for the Charter Day job fair, while senior citizens and persons with disabilities received free medical, dental and diagnostic services as the city government used the August 25 celebration to address two immediate concerns of Ilonggos — employment and healthcare.
The initiatives formed part of the city government’s Charter Day activities under Mayor Raisa S. Treñas, with programs designed to bring government services closer to communities.
At Robinsons Place Iloilo-Main, around 120 local and overseas recruitment agencies participated in the 89th Charter Day Job Fair under the “Trabaho Agad Program.”
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO)-Iloilo City organized the employment drive, which drew more than 3,700 pre-registered applicants seeking opportunities across various industries.
PESO manager Gabriel Felix Umadhay and Department of Labor and Employment Region 6 senior officer Danny Espinosa led the opening and encouraged applicants to explore vacancies across several industries instead of limiting themselves to a single prospective employer.
The job fair also sought to remove one of the common obstacles facing applicants — securing documentary requirements.
A government one-stop shop brought together the Department of Labor and Employment, Pag-IBIG Fund, PhilHealth, Philippine Statistics Authority, National Bureau of Investigation and Social Security System.
This allowed applicants to obtain pre-employment clearances, civil registry documents and social security requirements at the venue.
HEALTHCARE TO THE GRASSROOTS
Meanwhile, the city government’s Atipan medical and dental mission opened at the MH del Pilar Gym in Jaro district, initially providing free healthcare services to 150 senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
Through the City Health Office’s Atipan Center, beneficiaries received medical consultations, laboratory tests, dental check-ups, chest X-rays and diagnostic screenings.
For residents struggling with the cost of medicines and medical examinations, the program provided immediate relief.
“Mga tatlo ka bulong ang na-avail ko, sa highblood and cholesterol kag vitamins,” said 51-year-old Marivic Umadhay of MH del Pilar, Jaro. “Dako gid nga bulig.”
MH del Pilar Barangay Captain Larry Palomo said the mission benefited not only residents of the host barangay but also people from neighboring communities.
Magdaleno Palibar Jr., 60, of Barangay Tagbac, Jaro said free medicines, diagnostic services and consultations were particularly valuable to residents who otherwise would have to shoulder these expenses themselves.
Maria Jesusa, 70, of Barangay Benedicto, Jaro welcomed that the Charter Day healthcare initiative will continue beyond the August 25 anniversary.
The Atipan Center was scheduled to serve 100 beneficiaries at the La Paz District Gym on August 26, another 100 at Barangay Libertad in Lapuz this August 27, and 100 more at the PHHC Block 22 Gym in Mandurriao on August 28.
The continuing rollout effectively extends Iloilo City’s Charter Day observance into several districts, bringing the anniversary’s public service programs directly to residents./PN
