CEBU, Philippines - More than 300 residents of barangay Jagobiao in Mandaue City yesterday availed of free services from 21 departments of the city government of Mandaue which held office in the barangay gym.
The one-day activity dubbed as “Barangayan: Serbisyo sa atong tugkaran” was the fourth of its kind to be held in barangays. It aims to “bring the government closer to the people.”
“I am bringing the city hall right at the doorsteps of my constituents as I promised,” Mayor Jonas Cortes said during the brief opening ceremony, adding the same services will be brought to the remaining 23 barangays.
The City Health Office was the most popular for offering free medical and dental check ups, including free medicine and vitamins.
Other services included free anti-rabies vaccination and castration by city veterinarians, issuance of community tax certificate by personnel from City Treasurer’s Office, job fair and free manicure, hair cut and foot and body massage from instructors and students of Mandaue City Technological, Entrepreneurial, Skills Training (MCTEST).
A boy, following a checkup, was ordered taken to the city hospital for a complete medical attention.
“The indigent-residents are covered by PhilHealth courtesy of the mayor,” said barangay Jagobiao captain Ma. Edita Montesa.
Residents were served free “arroz caldo.”
Dr. Lyra Ompad, one of the attending dentists, said in the early hours of the activity, many flocked to their area for tooth extraction, many of them children.
On the other hand, Rose de la Cerna, who spent 23 years in the Middle East and Hong Kong as therapist and presently taking another massage course in MCTEST, finds fulfillment by giving free massage and foot reflex to walk-in clients.
Meanwhile, Jewel Mendoza, Human Resource officer of Monde Nissin Corporation, manufacturer of noodles said she endorsed for screening 16 applicants for production work.
Lawyer Jamaal James Calipayan, executive secretary of the mayor described the event as successful since all those who came were served. - THE FREEMAN