Tacloban marks 6th year as highly urbanized city

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Alfred Romualdez and wife, Councilor Cristina Romualdez, led its people in celebrating the 6th anniversary of Tacloban as a highly urbanized city, or HUC, leaving behind the trauma of Yolanda’s devastation.

On 18th of December 2008, Tacloban was converted into an HUC, via a plebiscite, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1637, joining the list as 34th HUC in the Philippines, and the first and only city of its kind in Eastern Visayas region. 

Activities centered on public services for the welfare of Taclobanons were the highlights of the celebration, primarily done at the City Hall grounds and other parts of the city.

Encouraging healthy lifestyle among Taclobanons, the 6th HUC Day kicked off with an exercise, a FUN Walk, Run, Dance Aerobics as early as 5 a.m. yesterday from the City Hall, via a stopover Zumba steps at SM Savemore and Liceo del Verbo, then back to the Kanhuraw area.

The Romualdezes also led their trademark Barangayan, a one-stop shop public service package given directly to the people.

Barangayan, held at the City Hall grounds, offered free health services—dental, consultation and prescription, referrals and vaccinations and blood pressure taking—with free medicines.

It had the City Civil Registrar Office providing registration on live birth, marriage and death; the City Social Welfare and Development Office clarifying issues on the green card, solo parent counseling, adoption, domestic violence, and on women’s and child rights.

All city departments rendered free services, including the City Nutrition Office (attending to the children); the City Agriculturist Office; and City Veterinary Office (on animal vaccination and owner’s counseling); the City General Services Office; the City Engineering Office and the City Treasurer’s Office, among others.

Graduates of the City Comprehensive Livelihood Entrepreneurial Program (also known as the Cristina Learn and Earn Program) —the brainchild of Councilor Cristina — offered free services on haircut, reflexology and massage, manicure and pedicure and lessons on food processing and cooking.

Mayor Alfred also conferred recognitions and awards to 16 retired employees, who he thanked for their services with the city government.

During the Salamat-Mabuhay Retirement Recognition Program, held at the City Hall lobby, the mayor awarded the following:

Liliosa Baltazar and Lilita Torres, of the CSWDO; Belen Cabiluna, Dr. Teresita Salinas and Alicia Ediza (Tacloban City Hospital); Constancio Abella Sr. and Oscar Ediza (General Services); Miguel Villacortes and Benjamin Magos (Treasurer’s Office); Carmelita Villas (City Council); Michael Bahia (EEMD); Catalina Odita (City Health Office); Prescila Cabosura (Mayor’s Office); Fredeswinda Gatdula (City POPCOM); Cesar Puertollano (Planning and Development Office); and Reynaldo Robedillo (Engineers Office).

The city’s 40 first responders and volunteers were also recognized during their graduation rites, also at the City Hall lobby, for completion of their Basic Life Support and First Aid training, sponsored by the city government.

The 6th HUC Day ended with a free “I Love Tacloban Band” concert at Robinsons’ Place.  (FREEMAN)