ILOILO City – The city government’s community outreach program “Pag-ulikid sang Syudad” does not discriminate. It is inclusive and not selective, stressed Mayor Jose Espinosa III.
Over the weekend, “Pag-ulikid” served over 11,000 city residents in the districts of Molo, Lapuz and City Proper.
In Molo’s Barangay Kasing-Kasing (1,500 residents) and Barangay Calumpang (4,000 residents), beneficiaries availed themselves of free city government services such as medical checkup, tooth extraction and circumcision.
“The ‘Pag-ulikid’ program is not discriminatory. It serves the grassroots,” said Espinosa.
Identification cards for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) were also freely distributed over the weekend in the two Molo barangays, while those with concerns over their birth certificates were accommodated.
Over 3,500 residents in Barangay Concepcion, City Proper and more than 2,000 villagers in Bo. Obrero, Lapuz also enjoyed similar services plus free legal consultation, sports equipment and wheelchairs for the elderly and PWDs.
“There is no politics in ‘Pag-ulikid’. We don’t discuss that. Ask the people we have already served,” said Espinosa.
The mayor thought of this program after an encounter with a senior citizen who, because of old age, could not personally go to city hall to secure an identification card.
This was the first time in the city’s history that city hall services were directly brought to the people, according to City Administrator Hernando Galvez.
“May politika o waay politika, kinahanglan ang serbisyo sa pumuluyo ara. This innovation naton will continue,” said Espinosa.
The city government departments actively participating were the City Health Office, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, City Veterinarian’s Office, and City Civil Registry Office./PN
