From health to employment: San Juan City’s ‘Barangay Caravan’ promises one-stop service

MANILA, Philippines–Mayor Francis Zamora spearheaded the ‘Makabagong San Juan Barangay Caravan’ at the Barangay Onse basketball court on Friday.

Scheduled every Friday, this one-stop-shop initiative delivers a suite of free services, ranging from healthcare to employment opportunities.

The wide spectrum of services offered caters to the community’s varying needs. Attendees had access to free medical services, tooth extractions, and consultations.

“We want to ensure that every resident, regardless of age or background, has access to the healthcare services they need. By providing free medical consultations, vaccines, and medicines, and even free haircut, we aim to promote the well-being and overall health of our constituents,” Zamora said.

Medications were provided alongside a feeding program. Vaccinations were a priority, with COVID booster shots, anti-polio, rubella, and measles vaccines for children 0-59 months, and flu vaccines specifically for senior citizens. Adolescent girls aged 10-14 were offered the HPV vaccine.

The caravan also catered to more administrative needs. Residents could apply for medical, burial, and financial assistance at the Public Assistance Center.

Legal concerns were addressed by the city legal team and the local civil registry department. The women’s desk catered to various women’s issues and a desk for immediate police clearance applications was made available courtesy of the local PNP.

“The event did not only focus on healthcare but also offered free legal consultations from our dedicated city legal team, local civil registry concerns of the residents were also addressed through our local civil registry department,” Zamora said.

Additionally, the Population and Development Office (POPDEV) hosted free family planning and marriage consultations. For pet owners, anti-rabies vaccinations were available. Job seekers benefited from skills registration and a recruitment drive, with opportunities for immediate hiring.

Local collaboration was evident as Kadiwa offered affordable produce, allowing residents to purchase vegetables, fruits, eggs, and rice without traveling far.

Zamora praised the partnership, emphasizing its importance for residents, especially those distant from public markets.

“This is essentially a ‘satellite city hall’ where almost all of your needs, from medical, legal, employment, free haircut, even vaccinations for your pet dogs and cats, and many more, will now be within reach of the citizens,” he said.

The caravan, which began as a pilot in Barangay Corazon de Jesus on August 11, is “part of our ongoing commitment to provide holistic services to our community on a weekly basis,” Zamora said.

“It represents our dedication to bringing the government closer to our people and addressing their needs. We hope that this event will have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our constituents.”

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