Binay urges residents to join barangay service caravan, dialogue

FILE: Mayor Abby Binay (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Makati Mayor Abby Binay has called on residents to take part in the multi-service Lingkod Bayan Caravan and Ugnayan sa Barangay dialogue held at least twice a month in a selected barangay on prescheduled dates, which resumed on Sunday at Barangay East Rembo.

The mayor said the twin programs had served nearly 30,000 residents in 27 barangays (excluding the six villages) in 2017, noting that social and medical services were consistent “blockbusters” with a combined total of 71,770 clients registered.

“Our twin outreach programs have effectively brought the city government closer to the people. We are heartened by the large turnout of participants at every caravan and dialog we had held in the past year. We look forward to an even bigger participation this year,” Binay said in a statement.

She encourages residents to join the dialog which she regularly attends along with other key city officials, so that they can directly ask questions and express their concerns and suggestions.

“The Ugnayan sa Barangay has turned out to be a strategic source of valuable information crucial to effective program implementation, efficient service delivery, and proactive policy- and decision-making at the level of the city government,” Mayor Abby said.

She also underscored the importance of residents’ active involvement and support in the successful outcome of new innovations being undertaken by the city government geared towards the digital transformation of Makati.

Launched in January 2017, the weekly dialog has given residents the opportunity to meet with the mayor, vice mayor, city councilors, and department heads.

Among the common concerns they raised was the lack of access to safe and convenient parking areas. In response, Mayor Abby directed the city Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) to conduct a study on the establishment of multi-level parking areas across the city.

Meanwhile, the Lingkod Bayan Caravan, a joint undertaking of the city with JC Binay Foundation, had drawn a total of 37,719 residents from 27 barangays since its launch in August 2016.

Records show Social Services as the most popular service, followed by Medical Services, Children’s Activities, Optical Services, Special Services, Civil Services, Veterinary Services, Dental Services, and Private Utility Services.

Social services include feeding activity, free massage and haircut services, and assistance on applications and other concerns regarding MHP (Yellow Card), Blu Card, White Card, PWD Card, Solo Parent’s ID, and Philhealth ng Masa Card.

Medical services include medical consultation, checking of vital signs/blood pressure, blood sugar screening, height and weight measurement, nutritional assessment, X-ray, ECG, and blood typing.

Under Optical services, free eye consultation and new reading glasses are being given to clients, while Dental services include tooth extraction and free dentures.

Special services are being provided by the offices of Congressman Luis Campos of District 2, and Congressman Monsour del Rosario, Special Assistance Office, and OFW Help Desk.

Most popular among children are the Learning Camp and distribution of free toys from NGO partners.

Participants in the caravan can also avail themselves of civil services which include marriage counselling, legal consultation, and assistance on civil registry documents and employment. They can also file applications for police clearance.

Residents can also bring their pet dogs and cats for free anti-rabies vaccination and check-up.

Participants in the caravan can also enjoy the convenience of paying their bills and transact with private sector partners, including Bayad Center, MERALCO, Manila Water, Petron, Globe, PLDT, Cebuana Lhuillier, and ABS-CBN Mobile.

The 27 barangays which have been visited by the twin programs are as follows: District 1: Bangkal, Carmona, Kasilawan, La Paz, Olympia, Palanan, Pio del Pilar, Poblacion, San Antonio, San Isidro, Singkamas, Sta.

Cruz, Tejeros, and Valenzuela.

District 2: Cembo, Comembo, East Rembo, Guadalupe Nuevo, Guadalupe Viejo, Post Proper Northside, Post Proper Southside, Pembo, Pinagkaisahan, Pitogo, Rizal, South Cembo, and West Rembo. (PNA)