ILOILO City – The city government’s “Pag-ulikid sang Syudad” program served an estimated 5,000 people in Barangay Santo Niño Norte, Arevalo district and Barangay Oñate de Leon in Mandurriao on Saturday.
A brainchild of Mayor Jose Espinosa III, “Pag-ulikid” brings the city government’s frontline programs, projects and services closer to the villages.
“This has never been done before,” said Espinosa. “It’s fulfilling for us in the city government to serve people, especially those in great need.”
Under “Pag-ulikid”, the City Health Office (CHO) and Dental Health Division offer free dental and medical services and free circumcision procedures. The Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) provides identification cards for senior citizens. The City Veterinarian’s Office conducts free dog vaccinations. The City Civil Registry Office assists those who have issues with birth certificates and marriage contracts.
The community outreach program also offers free legal consultation, sports equipment and wheelchairs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
“Many of our constituents find it hard to go to city hall. We are thus bringing the city government to them,” said Espinosa who was with City Administrator Hernando Galvez and department heads spearheading “Pag-ulikid” on Saturday.
According to Galvez, “Pag-ulikid” also addresses drainage and public market problems and is a venue where people can personally express their concerns to city officials.
Barangay Captain Dianalin Roa Minerva of Santo Niño Norte, Arevalo said this was the first time a free medical and dental mission was held in her village. She thanked the city government.
“Our barangay is one of the poorest in the city. We are grateful that the city government has brought to us its various services,” said Minerva.
Barangay Captain Wellie Colon of Oñate de Leon, on the other hand, said “Pag-ulikid” should be sustained as it makes the city government accessible to the public.
Espinosa thought of the “Pag-ulikid” program after visiting a barangay on the outskirts of the city where he met an elderly constituent.
“Si mayor may nakilala didto nga senior citizen, advanced age na, pero wala gihapon Senior Citizen ID,” said Galvez. “Nabuksan ang iya nga ideya nga mas manami siguro kun ang serbisyo direkta sa mga pumuluyo.”
All of the city’s 180 barangays would be covered, said Galvez./PN
