ILOILO City – The city government’s newly launched Uswag Pag-Atipan Center has immediately proven its relevance, serving 122 residents on its first day of operation, a strong indication of the urgent demand for accessible and compassionate public service.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, who spearheaded the initiative, said the concept of the center was born from her regular visits to barangays, where she listened directly to people’s concerns.
“Na-vision ko ini sang nagalibot ako sa mga barangay. Nagakuha kita sang pulso sa mga tawo kun ano pa ang kinahanglan nila sa siyudad. I-deliver ta gid ini sa mga Ilonggo. Ang promisa ko simple man lang, magaserbisyo ako sang tuud-tuod kag ipakita ko ang pagpalangga ko sa inyo todo-todo. Wala kita naga-untat sa pagpanumdom kun paano ta pa gid mapabatyag sa kada Ilonggo ang aton pagpalangga,” she stressed
On Aug. 18, the first day of its operations, the Atipan Center recorded 83 residents availing of livelihood assistance, 10 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) inquiries, 10 financial aid requests, eight health services, four scholarship applications, three burial assistance, two social services, and two help desk consultations.
“This shows that the need is great, and the Iloilo City Government is ready to help,” Treñas said. “The Uswag Atipan Center is a place that will attend to you from womb to tomb — whether it’s caring for mothers and children, supporting students with scholarships and trainings, providing livelihood and job opportunities, or helping families in times of grief. The Atipan Center will always be here with you.”
The one-stop hub offers a wide array of services:
* Social Services – case study assistance, children and women’s welfare, mass weddings and baptisms, LGBT grooming services, senior citizen IDs and incentives
* Health & Dental Services – medical consultations, maternity care, immunizations, dentures, circumcision, dialysis assistance, pharmacy, and laboratory support
* Livelihood & Education – TESDA trainings, NC II certifications, scholarships, job matching, GIP–Uswag Ilonggo, and employment aid through the Public Employment Service Office and Department of Labor and Employment
* Burial Assistance – free caskets, flowers, cemetery vaults, rice support, tents, and wake visitation scheduling
* Financial Assistance – ayuda, AICS (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations), medical, hospital, and laboratory aid
* Help & Assistance Desk – a centralized service desk for all concerns
Treñas highlighted the deeper meaning behind the center: “Everyone, this center is more than just a program — it is a promise. This is a place where compassion meets action and public service becomes personal. This is a home for every Ilonggo who needs a listening ear, a helping hand, and a community that genuinely cares.”/PN
