ILOILO City – The city government’s novel community outreach program “Pag-ulikid sang Syudad”, Mayor Jose Espinosa III’s brainchild which brings essential government services directly to people in the barangays, rated high in the Usage, Attitude & Image (UAI) survey of the Social Statistics & Research Center conducted from March 19 and 20.
On the flipside, the lingering high cost of basic necessities also left a negative impact among Ilongos, the survey found out.
The survey covered 600 voting-age respondents from 18 sample barangays.
On the question whether Mayor Espinosa should have ran for congressman instead of city mayor, 82 percent of respondents agreed with him seeking the Iloilo City mayorship this May 13, 2019 midterm elections.
The high recall for “Pag-ulikid” stems from the novel approach of the program where local government services traditionally rendered at city hall were brought to the city constituents in the barangays.
These services include the following:
* free medical-dental consultations and medicines, by the City Health Office
* assistance to individuals in crisis situations, by the Office of the City Mayor and City Social Welfare and Development Office
* help in complying with documentary requirements on birth, marriage and other civil registry requisites
* a host of other needs by the city residents
Mayor Espinosa also scored high in “political will.” Respondents cited, among others, his firm decision to end the “anomalous circumvention of law” in the case of the Jaro Plaza being used as flea market that persisted for years during past city administrations.
Respondents also cited his order to limit the operation of night joints and particularly at the Smallville area up to only 2 a.m. It was seen as “decisive leadership.”
The survey also showed that Iloilo City voters have very high regard to local leaders who stick to a certain party affiliation.
Mayor Espinosa has remained a Nacionalista Party stalwart over the years./PN
