Hundreds of residents availed of free services from the frontline departments of the Mandaue City government during the barangayan held Sept. 16 in barangay Banilad.
“This is part of the city’s program to bring the government closer to the people,” said Mayor Jonas Cortes in addressing the crowd at the barangay gym.
More than 200 availed of free medical, dental check-up and medicines offered by doctors and dentists from city health office including volunteer doctors.
Many also availed of free haircut, manicure, pedicure and reflexology services by instructors and students of Mandaue City College Technological, Entrepreneurial, Skills Training (MCCTEST).
The city’s Public Employment Service Office also held a job fair where at least 10 applicants passed the initial interview and testing by SM and Gaisano Grand Mall.
Banilad barangay captain Dianne Bercede said residents took advantage of the free services that also included legal services, castration and anti-rabies vaccination for pets by the city veterinary office, issuance of community tax certificate and documents by the civil registrar’s office, distribution of free home-made Clorox and tiles and toilet bowl cleaner from city cooperative office, among others.
Ronald Villabas, a fish vendor from sitio Back Shell brought his wife and two children including his nieces and nephews and stayed over lunch to avail of the many services including reflexology.
“Among pahimuslan kining maong chance (We have to grab the opportunity),” he said.
The one-day barangayan was the fifth to be held, the last being in barangay Jagobiao.